Exploring the morphology and bioactivity of bioglass-iron oxide coatings on Ti6Al4V implants via electrophoretic deposition

Abstract The Ti6Al4V alloy has attracted considerable attention in the field of medical implants due to its unique properties, including good biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, and low Young’s modulus. In this study, a composite coating containing bioactive glass and five weight percent of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles was applied to the Ti6Al4V alloy substrate using the electrophoretic deposition method. The findings showed that the addition of iron oxide nanoparticles increased the coating’s hydrophilicity and thickness, providing protection against corrosion of the underlying surface. Among the samples coated for different electrophoretic deposition time intervals, the one coated for 32 min demonstrated increased coating thickness (148.75 μm) and improved corrosion resistance. Additionally, the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the coated sample increased, which facilitated cell adhesion. The coated samples were immersed in simulated body fluid solution for 7, 14, and 28 days to evaluate their bioactivity. Based on elemental distribution maps, calcium- and phosphorus-containing structures were found on their surfaces, indicating their bioactive behavior. Moreover, the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the coated samples facilitated cell adhesion. However, cell viability decreased over three days in the composite coated sample (46.02%), while the Ti6Al4V substrate and the one coated with bioactive glass showed good cell viability of 93.44% and 70.10%, respectively.