Bio-inspired YSZ coated titanium by EB-PVD for biomedical applications

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was deposited onto titanium (Ti) substrates using electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) method. The crystalline nature of as-deposited YSZ coating was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and cubic phase was noticed. Smooth and uniform surface topography was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The hardness and scratch resistance of the coating was determined by nanoindentation and scratch test analysis respectively. Wettability studies exhibited more hydrophilic nature on YSZ coating and least hydrophilic on uncoated Ti substrate. Anti-adhesion and antibacterial efficiency were performed against gram (-)ve (E.coli) and gram (+)ve (S. aureus) bacterial strains and revealed that YSZ coating effectively protected bacterial invasion. Hemocompatibility was evaluated by platelets adhesion and their activation behavior was studied onto uncoated and YSZ coated Ti substrates. YSZ coating exhibited less activated platelets; whereas, platelets activation (large number of pseudopods) were seen on uncoated Ti substrates. Furthermore, superior in vitro biomineralization behavior with increased weight gain, higher protein adsorption and superior biocompatible nature with NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells were observed on YSZ coating. Overall results indicated that surface modification by YSZ coating could become a promising material for biomedical applications.