Electrochemical and Cell Response of Surface Modified Ti6Al4V for Biomedical Applications

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy was used as a metallic permanent implant for the internal fixation during surgery of orthopedic and dental implants. But due to poor bioactivity like release of aluminum and vanadium, ions cause allergic problems and weak osseointegration with host environment. Surface modifications of those implants are required to make it biocompatible. The aim of the present research is to modify the surface of Ti6Al4V implant by electrodeposition of cathodic bioactive Calcium Phosphate (CaP) coating. The morphology of the modified surface was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy while electrochemical response was measured in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C by Open Circuit Potential, Cyclic polarization, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy techniques. In vitro biocompatibility of modified Ti6Al4V surfaces was further evaluated by coculturing them with a human liver carcinoma cell line, HEPG2. The bond strength of the CaP coating is 65 MPa in anodized Ti6Al4V surface. The CaP coating was dominated by hydroxyapatite with flake-like appearance which eventually decreases the Ti6Al4V dissolution rate to 0.206 mpy in SBF and the cell viability analysis further highlighted highest level of biocompatibility of coated titanium alloy which boosted cell growth by 78% competed to other surfaces. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.