Multifunctional homogeneous calcium phosphate coatings: Toward antibacterial and cell adhesive titanium scaffolds

Implants for orthopedic applications need to be biocompatible and bioactive, with mechanical properties similar those of surrounding natural bone. Given this scenario titanium (Ti) scaffolds obtained by Direct Ink Writing technique offer the opportunity manufacture customized structures controlled porosity properties. Considering that 3D Ti have a significant surface area, it is necessary develop strategies against initial bacterial adhesion in order prevent infection early stages implantation, while promoting cell scaffold. The challenge not only achieving balance between antibacterial activity osseointegration, also homogeneous coating on inner outer purpose work was development single-step electrodeposition process uniformly cover layer calcium phosphate (CaP) loaded chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Scaffold characterization assessed scanning electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, diffraction, micro-Raman microscopy compressive strength tests. Results determined covered plate-like whisker-like crystals, which main phases were octacalcium brushite. Biological tests showed as-coated reduced bacteria (73 ± 3% Staphylococcus aureus 70 2% Escherichia coli). In vitro studies confocal analysis revealed spreading osteoblast-like SaOS-2 coated surfaces. Therefore, proposed strategy can potential candidate bone replacing surgeries.