Electrophoretic deposition of nanocrystalline TiO2 particles on porous TiO2-x ceramic scaffolds for biomedical applications

Nanocrystalline TiO2 coated scaffolds offers the possibility to be used in bone tissue regeneration providing not only space for new tissue formation, but also to enhance bioactivity of the implant. In the present study, direct current electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was chosen as simple and low cost technique to coat 3D porous structure of TiO2-x ceramic. Suspension for EPD was prepared suspending nanocrystalline TiO2 particles in isopropanol and adding triethanolamine as dispersant. TiO2 particles were electrophoretically deposited on the surface of TiO2-x scaffolds through varying EPD time and applied voltage. The scaffold pore structure was maintained after applying the coating by EPD. The deposition of nanocrystalline TiO2 coating can be a smart strategy to impart bioactive properties to the 3D scaffold, allowing formation of spherical hydroxyapatite particles on the coated scaffolds after immersion in simulated body fluid. In vitro cell studies does not show cytotoxic effect of nanocrystalline TiO2 coated scaffolds.