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Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
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Polyelectrolyte multilayer-calcium phosphate composite coatings for metal implants.
Alon Elyada1, Nissim Garti, Helga Füredi-Milhofer
1Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
Biomacromolecules
|August 9, 2014
Summary
This study developed organic-inorganic composite coatings using polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMLs) to enhance the bioactivity of metal implants. PEMLs successfully promoted calcium phosphate nucleation and growth on implant surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bioinert metal implants often lack sufficient bioactivity for optimal integration.
- Enhancing implant surfaces with bioactive coatings is crucial for improved osseointegration.
- Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMLs) offer a versatile platform for surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the preparation of organic-inorganic composite coatings using PEMLs.
- To enhance the bioactivity of bioinert metal implants, specifically titanium (Ti-SLA).
- To explore the influence of PEML composition on calcium phosphate nucleation and growth.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PEMLs using poly-L-lysine (PLL) alternating with poly-L-glutamate (PGA), poly-L-aspartate (PAA), or chondroitin sulfate (CS).
- Coating of glass and Ti-SLA substrates with single or mixed PEMLs.
- Immersion of coated substrates in a metastable calcifying solution (MCS) to induce calcium phosphate formation.
- Characterization using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and surface topography analysis.
Main Results:
- PEMLs promoted calcium phosphate nucleation and early crystal growth, with effects dependent on the terminal polymer layer.
- Specific PEML compositions, like (PLL/PGA)n, formed β-sheet structures, influencing surface topography.
- Aggregate sizes in PEML coatings increased in the order (PLL/PGA)n < (PLL/PAA)n < (PLL/CS)n, reducible in mixed multilayers.
- Crystal morphology and structure were primarily governed by MCS conditions (supersaturation, pH, ionic strength).
Conclusions:
- PEML coatings can be tailored to enhance the bioactivity of metal implants by promoting biomineralization.
- The composition of the terminal PEML layer significantly influences calcium phosphate nucleation and growth.
- The developed organic-inorganic composite coatings show promise for improving implant osseointegration.
