Electrophoretic deposition of composite coatings based on alginate matrix/45S5 bioactive glass particles doped with B, Zn or Sr

In this research work composite coatings made of alginate and 45S5 bioactive glass particles doped with B, Zn or Sr were synthesized by means of electrophoretic deposition and characterized from morphological, compositional, thermogravimetric, mechanical and electrochemical points of view. The developed coatings were also subjected to in vitro test in SBF solution to evaluate their ability to induce hydroxyapatite precipitation and cytocompatibility evaluation using human primary fibroblasts. The obtained results demonstrated a good homogeneity of the coatings, high adhesion and a protective behavior towards the substrate. The thermogravimetric analysis proved that the glass amount was constant before and after the deposition and all the investigated coatings promoted the deposition of hydroxyapatite but with different kinetics. Since the Zn containing coating showed the best bioactive behavior it was subjected to cytocompatibility test, which demonstrated, after an initial reduction of cell viability, a good cell proliferation and the production of collagen from the ECM. These findings suggest that the obtained coatings are promising materials to coat metallic prosthetic devices.