Suspension-Sprayed Calcium Phosphate Coatings with Antibacterial Properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Implants
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Implant failure often results from poor osteointegration and bacterial contamination, leading to loosening.
• Bioconductive coatings promote bone growth and tissue bonding, enhancing implant stability.
• Incorporating antibacterial agents into calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings offers a dual approach to improve implant success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop enhanced calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings with antibacterial properties using copper-doped supraparticles.
• To increase coating porosity and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of different Cu-doped supraparticles.
• To assess the biocompatibility of the developed coatings with human osteosarcoma cells (MG63).

Main Methods:

• Copper-doped CaP supraparticles were synthesized via spray-drying.
• CaP ceramic coatings with incorporated supraparticles were fabricated using high-velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS).
• Coating porosity, biocompatibility (MG63 cells), and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Achieved a minimum coating porosity of 13%, enhanced up to 16% with supraparticle incorporation.
• Cu-doped CaP coatings demonstrated good biocompatibility, with no significant reduction in viable MG63 cells compared to controls.
• Significant reduction in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains was observed on Cu-doped coatings.

Conclusions:

• Cu-doped CaP supraparticles successfully integrated into HVSFS coatings, enhancing porosity and providing potent antibacterial effects.
• The developed coatings show promise for improving osteointegration and preventing implant-associated infections.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for creating next-generation orthopedic implants with improved clinical performance.