Bioactive multifunctional hopeite coatings on new generation SS254 steel by laser rapid manufacturing for bone implant applications

摘要

Overall long-term success of metallic bone implant is mainly governed by the two key factors osseointegration and antibacterial function. Bioceramic hopeite coatings have been proven effective for getting strong osseointegration and antibacterial character. However, deterioration of hopeite coatings during the implantation period can adversely affect their overall biological performance. To overcome this issue, the present research work recommends an innovative process route of laser rapid manufacturing (LRM) for depositing hopeite coatings with good metallurgical bonding. Microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, antibacterial efficacy, and bioactivity were evaluated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a Vickers microhardness tester, Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) technique, and a Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) immersion test respectively. The promising results obtained from these characterisations and testing establishes the new process route LRM as an effective alternative to deposit multifunctional hopeite coatings on metallic prosthetic-orthopaedic implants.