Assessment of the Addition of Fluorapatite in Hydroxyapatite Coatings: Implementation Prosthetics/Bone in Vivo

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (Hap: Ca10 (PO4)6 OH2)-Fluorapatite (Fap: Ca10 (PO4)6F2) composite coating on 316 L stainless steel, using the High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Spray (SHVOF), was investigated. This work is an evaluation of the bioactivity of bone/Hap–Fap composite coatings implanted in the tibia of the rabbit. A small amount of Fap (6.68, 13.26 and 26.52 w% Fap attributed to 0.25, 0.5 and 1% fluor) was introduced into Hap. The fluorapatite provides more stable and adherent deposits. The characteristics of the coatings were investigated with various instruments including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and biological (in-vivo and in-vitro) tests. Hap−Fap coating showed excellent behavior in vitro and in vivo tests revealing that the Fap is effective in improving biocompatibility and bioactivity. This study draws inspiration from technological and biological selection solutions adopted by evolution, to transpose the principles and processes of human engineering.