Electrodeposition of Calcium Phosphates, Oxides, and Molecules to Achieve Biocompatibility of Metals

Electrodeposition techniques are used to improve biocompatibility of metallic biomaterials and add biofunction. Generally, ceramics and polymers are electrodeposited on metallic materials. Hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate is electrically coated on metals to improve their hard tissue compatibility and to control the degradation rate of magnesium alloys that are expected to be biodegradable metals. On the other hand, diamond-like carbon is also electrodeposited on metals to improve their wear resistance. Micro-arc oxidation is applied to form a titanium oxide layer on metals, and sometimes, the layer contains calcium and phosphate ions. This layer accelerates bone formation and bone bonding on metals. Biomolecules such as collagen and chitosan are immobilized on titanium to improve bone conduction. In addition, poly(ethylene glycol) is immobilized on titanium to add biofunction to titanium. This material inhibits biofilm formation and platelet adhesion.