Bioactivity and cytocompatibility of plasma-sprayed titania coating treated by sulfuric acid treatment

Titania coatings were fabricated on titanium alloy substrate using atmospheric plasma spraying technology, and treated by sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at room temperature for 24 h. The as-sprayed and acid-treated titania coatings were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) to investigate the formation of apatite on their surfaces. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to evaluate the cytocompatibility of titania coatings. The results indicated that bone-like apatite was formed on the surfaces of acid-treated titania coatings after soaked in SBF for a period of time. The concentration of sulfuric acid had an effected on the bioactivities of titania coatings. The bioactivity of titania coating could not be improved by 0.01 M sulfuric acid treatment. The MSCs could attach, grow and proliferate well on the surface of titania coatings. The results showed that plasma-sprayed titania coating after acid treatment exhibited favorable bioactivity and cytocompatibility.