Fish Bone Derived Bi-Phasic Calcium Phosphate Coatings Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

We report on new biomaterials with promising bone and cartilage regeneration potential, from sustainable, cheap resources of fish origin. Thin films were fabricated from fish bone-derived bi-phasic calcium phosphate targets via pulsed laser deposition with a KrF * excimer laser source (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≤ 25 ns). Targets and deposited nanostructures were characterized by SEM and XRD, as well as by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and FTIR spectroscopy. Films were next assessed in vitro by dedicated cytocompatibility and antimicrobial assays. Films were Ca-deficient and contained a significant fraction of β-tricalcium phosphate apart from hydroxyapatite, which could contribute to an increased solubility and an improved biocompatibility for bone regeneration applications. The deposited structures were biocompatible as confirmed by the lack of cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblast cells, making them promising for fast osseointegration implants. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) coatings inhibited the microbial adhesion and/or the subsequent biofilm development. A persistent protection against bacterial colonization (Escherichia coli) was demonstrated for at least 72 h, probably due to the release of the native trace elements (i.e., Na, Mg, Si, and/or S) from fish bones. Progress is therefore expected in the realm of multifunctional thin film biomaterials, combining antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties for advanced implant coatings and nosocomial infections prevention applications.

A Review on Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Materials Derived from Fish Discards

“…In the case of AFM measurements, particles with dimensions in the (50-200) nm domain were revealed to spread between micro-aggregates (Figure 9). Their combination determined a rough surface of the PLD-synthesized coatings, with inferred roughness values higher than 80 nm and mainly influenced by the β-TCP content [113]. One should note here that these rough surfaces were demonstrated to positively influence osseointegration by stimulating protein adhesion and the differentiation of bone cells [153].…”

“…Cross-sectional SEM images performed by Popescu-Pelin et al [113] on the PLDsynthesized coatings showed an intimate film-substrate interaction. The BCP coatings' average thickness was estimated to be ~1 µm.…”

“…BCP ceramics of biogenic origin can be transferred onto various type of substrates using a variety of methods. Up to date, most of the reported results referred to pulsed laser deposition (PLD) [113] and radio frequency-magnetron sputtering (rf-MS) [40,114].…”

“…BCP coatings were synthesized by PLD using a pulsed UV laser source from bioceramic targets of sea bream (Sparus aurata) and salmon (Salmo salar) fish bones. Within this research, bone implant coatings with both biocompatible and antimicrobial behaviors were fabricated [113].…”

“…In the case of AFM measurements, particles with dimensions in the (50-200) nm domain were revealed to spread between micro-aggregates (Figure 9). Their combination determined a rough surface of the PLD-synthesized coatings, with inferred roughness values higher than 80 nm and mainly influenced by the β-TCP content [113]. d-h) SEM micrographs of (a,d,g) commercial HA, (b,e,i) Spa-BCP, and (c,f,h) Sal-BCP pulsed laser deposition (PLD) coatings, respectively.…”