Preparation of Cu2+/TA/HAP composite coating with anti-bacterial and osteogenic potential on 3D-printed porous Ti alloy scaffolds for orthopedic applications

Abstract Because of stress shielding effects, traditional titanium (Ti) alloy scaffolds have a high elastic modulus, which might promote looseness and bone disintegration surrounding the implant, increasing the likelihood of a second surgery. In contrast, 3D-printed porous Ti alloy scaffolds can reduce the scaffold weight while enhancing biocompatibility. Further, these scaffolds’ porous nature allows bone tissue ingrowth as well as strong pore connectivity, which can improve nutrient absorption. Nevertheless, bare Ti alloy implants may fail because of inadequate bone integration; hence, adding a coating on the implant surface is an effective technique for improving implant stability. In this study, a composite coating comprising hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan (CS), tannic acid (TA) and copper ions (Cu2+) (Cu2+/TA/HAP composite coating) was prepared on the surface of 3D printed porous Ti alloy scaffolds using electrophoretic deposition. Using the standard plate count method, Live/Dead bacteria staining assay, FITC Phalloidin and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining assay, and live/dead staining of cells we determined that the composite coating has better antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility as well as lower cytotoxicity. The Alkaline Phosphatase assay revealed that the coating results showed good osteogenesis potential. Overall, the composite coatings produced in this investigation give new potential for the application of Ti alloys in clinics.