Low-temperature deposition of anatase TiO2 on medical grade polyetheretherketone to assist osseous integration

A thin film Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was deposited onto Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrate at low deposition temperature via using an arc ion plating (AIP) technique. The microstructure, mechanical properties and osteoblast compatibility of the TiO2-deposited PEEK are investigated to evaluate the feasibility of using this technique for faster osseous integration on spinal interbody fusion cages. sults showed that the deposited TiO2 possesses a dense columnar structure with major anatase and minor rutile crystal phase. The highest rank (5B) in an adhesion tape test, a critical load of 14.5 N and cohesive failure mode in the scratch test all proved the strong adhesion of the coating. High corrosion potential with very low corrosion current was detected both in 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte and simulated body fluid (SBF), indicating the electro-chemical inertness of the TiO2 coating. The TiO2-coated specimens presented better osteoblast cell adhesion compatibility than the bare PEEK material in terms of cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in an osteoblast culture.