Preparation of calcium phosphate coatings on titanium by ND:YAG laser

Objectives: The biocompatibility, osteointegration of the titanium implants, which are mainly used in dentistry essentially depends on both the morphology and chemical composition of the surface, i.e. on the interface between the bio-tissue and the implant. The aim of the study was to create a new biomimetric surface where the hydroxyl apatite (HA) was fixed on titanium (Ti) surface using ND: YAG laser. Methods: 10 sample of 10x10x2mm Ti plates were used. The samples were covered by a layer of HA, which was fixed with the treatment of the laser on the Ti surface. The laser processing of the surface was carried out at normal atmosphere conditions using the 106 μm wavelength output of an ND: YAG laser. The surface modification was investigated by optical (Car Zeiss, AXIOTEC) and scanning electron microscope (Hitachi S-4300), moreover the cross-section of the sample was analysed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Results: The EDX revealed that a specific surface microstructure, micro-heterogeneous titanium-calcium phosphate coatings can be fabricated by the developed method which may further influence the osteointegration of Ti implants due to the changes of surface morphology, chemical stability, bio-activity. Conclusions: More versatile bioactive coating may be created this way in comparison with the known plasma spray method. The work/publication is supported by the TÁMOP 4.2.1/B-09/1/KONV-2010-0007 project. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the European Social Fund.