In Vitro Cytocompatibility of Plasma-Sprayed Dicalcium Silicate/Zirconia Composite Coatings

Abstract

 

Dicalcium silicate/zirconia composite coating with 70wt% zirconia and 30wt% dicalcium silicate was prepared by plasma spraying, and the in vitro attachment, spread, proliferation and differentiation behaviors of human osteoblast cells on the coating were studied. As a result of dissolution of the dicalcium silicate component from the coating and rapid exchange of Ca and H in the culture media, a large amount of Si-OH functional group was produced on the coating.  These OH bonds were very favorable to the adhesion of proteins and cells attachment and thus, the hybrid coating possessed good cytocompatibility. Honeycomb-like Ca-P minerals were formed on the coating surface after only 1 day incubation. The deposition rate of the Ca-P minerals was greatly improved by the existence of proteins and cells. It may be attributed to the increased Ca ion concentration in the culture media resulting from the dissolution of dicalcium silicate, and the good protein adhesion properties of the coating.