Characterization and in vitro evaluation of nanostructure Barium titanate coating on Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Osseointegration has been the concern of implantology for many years. Researchers have used various ceramic coatings for this purpose however piezoelectric ceramics (e.g. Barium titanate) are a novel field of interest. In this regard, Barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO) coating were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on Ti6Al4V medical alloy, using sol-gel synthesized nanometer BTO powder. Structure and morphologies were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Results showed homogenous coating with cubic structure and crystallite size of about 41 nm. Bioactivity response of coated samples while immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) were evaluated by SEM and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Cell compatibility was also studied via MTT assay and SEM imaging. SEM images indicated Apatite formation on the coating after 7 days of SBF immersion, and ICP analysis approved ions concentration decrement in SBF. Cells showed flattened morphology in intimate contact with coating after 12 h of culture. Altogether, coated samples demonstrated appropriate bioactivity and biocompatibility.