In vitro biocompatibility of a nanocrystalline β-Ta2O5 coating for orthopaedic implants

To improve the durability and bioactivity of Ti–6Al–4V alloy used for medical implants, the β-Ta2O5 nano-crystalline coatings were introduced using double cathode glow discharge technique. The coating microstructure was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The coating exhibits an assembly of near-equiaxed grains, locally aligned normal to the coating surface. The β-Ta2O5 coating exhibits strong adhesion to substrate and a strong resistance to deformation and cracking under applied loads. Cells culture tests showed that the coating is more beneficial to the adhesion and proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells as compared to the uncoated alloy. In-vitro bioactivity was evaluated by immersion of the coating in simulated body fluids (SBF) for different periods up to 14 days at 37 °C. The results indicated that bioactivity of Ti–6Al–4V was dramatically improved after the deposition of β-Ta2O5, since the coating has a higher apatite forming ability than the Ti–6Al–4V substrate. Finally, the electrochemical behavior of the β-Ta2O5 coating after soaking in SBF at 37 °C for 0, 3, 7, and 14 days was studied through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS measurements also confirm that the presence of a hydroxyapatite layer on the coating becomes thicker and denser during soaking in SBF. Moreover, the coating exhibits better corrosion resistance than the bare alloy. Hence, the β-Ta2O5 coating is a promising candidate coating for protection of orthopedic implants with enhanced bioactivity and corrosion resistance.