Suspension Sprayed Antibacterial Coatings for Medical Applications
Prosthesis loosening due to poor osteointegration is a common cause of implant failure, often complicated by bacterial contamination and biofilm formation. Enhancing osteointegration through bioconductive materials that stimulate bone growth can improve tissue bonding. The incorporation of antibacterial substances into bioconductive, degradable coatings can accelerate osteointegration, simultaneously provide bactericidal properties, and improve implant success rates. In this study, suspension sprayed calcium phosphate ceramic (β-TCP) and calcium alkali orthophosphate (GB14) coatings with antibacterial properties were produced using high-velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS). Copper-doped spray-dried supraparticles were integrated into the coating layers to confer antibacterial properties. A coating porosity of at least 9 %, consistent with the state of the art, was targeted to facilitate cell infiltration throughout the porous matrix, thereby enhancing bone ingrowth. Bioactive and antibacterial properties of the coatings were evaluated both in-vitro and in-vivo.