Promoting Osseointegration of New Innocuous Ti–18Zr–13Mo Implant Through Constructing Hierarchically Structured Bioactive Coating

This study aimed to improve osteointegration performance of the new innocuous Ti–18Zr–13Mo implant through constructing hierarchically structured bioactive coating. A micro/nano-scaled fibrous network topography as well as bioactive components of calcium phosphate compounds were assigned to Ti–18Zr–13Mo alloy surface by a two stepped hydrothermal process for making its physical structure and chemical composition more closer to natural bone tissue. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurement had been applied to characterize the surface coating. Furthermore, we in-depth explored the formation process and mechanism of the hybrid bionic coating using knowledge of energetic and crystallography. Following the treatment, the coated Ti–18Zr–13Mo implant showed significant boosting of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts’ activity, adhesion and differentiation ability in vitro. The modification technology of the hierarchical bioactive coating can provide a strong guarantee for practical orthopedic and dental applications of Ti–18Zr–13Mo implant. Besides, the promising results will further expand the research fertile ground of Ti-based alloy and other metal implant and prosthesis. Graphical abstract