Biocompatibility of micro-arc oxidation coatings developed on Ti6Al4V alloy in a solution containing organic phosphate

• Na12Phy was firstly used as the main MAO electrolyte of titanium alloys.
• During MAO, Na12Phy takes part in the coating formation.
• The MAO samples exhibit excellent in vitro biocompatibility.

Sodium phytate, originated from plant seeds and grains, was firstly selected as the main electrolyte of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) on Ti6Al4V alloy. The prepared MAO coatings were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The biocompatibility was measured using the MTT method. The results show that sodium phytate participates in the coating formation and phytates are developed in anodic coatings. MTT tests indicate that the cytotoxicity grades of both the substrate and the MAO treated samples are 1, meeting the demand used as the implant materials.