Comparative analysis of platelets adhesion to the surface of Ta-based ceramic coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering

Abstract

Abstract The adhesion of platelets to the surface of implants and stents depends on the material’s properties, such as surface roughness, topography and wettability. The present study analyzes the composition and surface properties of nanostructured Ta, Ta2O5 and TaON coatings and their correlation with the adhesion of platelets. The surface morphology and topography were observed by atomic force microscopy and electron scanning microscopy; while the elemental distribution and chemical composition were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The coated surfaces’ advancing contact angles were evaluated by tensiometric measurements. The surface free energy (SFE) was calculated by the Owens, Wendt, Rabel and Kaeble method. The results of in vitro tests demonstrated that the deposition of Ta-based coatings leads to a decrease in the platelets adhesion and agglomeration ability.