Electrochemical Strategies for Titanium Implant Polymeric Coatings: The Why and How

Abstract

Among the several strategies aimed at polymeric coatings deposition on titanium (Ti) and its alloys, metals commonly used in orthopaedic and orthodontic prosthesis, electrochemical approaches have gained growing interest, thanks to their high versatility. In this review, we will present two main electrochemical procedures to obtain stable, low cost and reliable polymeric coatings: electrochemical polymerization and electrophoretic deposition. Distinction should be made between bioinert films—having mainly the purpose of hindering corrosive processes of the underlying metal—and bioactive films—capable of improving biological compatibility, avoiding inflammation or implant-associated infection processes, and so forth. However, very often, these two objectives have been pursued and achieved contemporaneously. Indeed, the ideal coating is a system in which anti-corrosion, anti-infection and osseointegration can be obtained simultaneously. The ultimate goal of all these coatings is the better control of properties and processes occurring at the titanium interface, with a special emphasis on the cell-coating interactions. Finally, advantages and drawbacks of these electrochemical strategies have been highlighted in the concluding remarks.

Multicomponent Alloys for Biomedical Applications

“…Coatings such as bioinert films, which have the main purpose of hindering corrosive processes of the underlying metal and bioactive films, which are capable of improving biological compatibility, avoiding inflammation or implantassociated infection processes, are used more and more often. The ideal coating is a system in which anticorrosion, anti-infection, and osseointegration can be obtained simultaneously [48]. Because of their favorable characteristics, Ti alloys are the first choice material in case of orthopedic implants.…”

Special Issue on Surfaces Modification and Analysis for Innovative Biomaterials

“…Finally, Cometa et al revised the electrochemical strategies used to coat titanium implants with smart polymeric films [7]. The described techniques allowed for a versatile functionalization of implantable materials, aimed at achieving bioinert or bioactive films.…”

Electrodeposited Biocoatings, Their Properties and Fabrication Technologies: A Review

“…The various coatings have been applied for many years in medicine to improve the properties of the interface between implants and tissues, which determine the biocompatibility and healing time. In past years, the reviews on such functional coatings for dental implantology [7], biocompatible coatings for bone implants [8], ion substituted hydroxyapatite thin films [9], titanium implants polymeric coatings [10], ceramic coatings for osteoporotic bones [11], and pulse laser deposited animal-originated calcium coatings [12] can be found.…”