Influence of coating strain on calcium phosphate thin-film dissolution

The success of calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings used to accelerate initial bone growth onto dental implants can vary depending on the CaP phases present in the coating. In this study, the effect of CaP coating crystal structure and morphology on dissolution rates was investigated. RF magnetron-sputtered CaP coatings (NTC) were compared to a less strained coating (HTC) obtained from heat treatment of sputtered samples at 550 degrees C. Coating strain differences were apparent in XRD spectra where hydroxyapatite-like planes shifted by 0.5 degrees 2theta and 0.05 degrees 2theta for the NTC and HTC coatings, respectively. HTC XRD peak widths were broader than NTC peak widths, indicating smaller crystals or grain sizes. These differences in grain size were corroborated by imaging with scanning probe microscopy. NTC coatings dissolved at a 300% faster rate than HTC coatings. A major factor contributing to this kinetic effect was the level of strain in both coatings. These results suggest an alternate design for CaP coatings can be obtained through the manipulation of coating strain. Using this approach, delivery of different ionic gradients from CaP coatings to surrounding tissue environments can be obtained from surfaces having similar chemistries.