Pulsed laser deposition of strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings

► Strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings by pulsed laser deposition. ► Strontium carbonate powders as an adequate source of strontium for PLD. ► Efficient incorporation of Sr and carbonate groups in the hydroxyapatite structure. ► Linear incorporation of Sr accompanied by a similarly linear withdrawal of Ca. ► Fine control of the Sr content in the obtained coatings.