Characteristics of multi-layer coating formed on commercially pure titanium for biomedical applications

•A multi-layer coating was fabricated on Cp-Ti by a single step MAO process.•The deposition of the biocompatible compounds on porous TiO2 layer enhanced bioactivity.•The multi-layer coating exhibited excellent antibacterial efficiency while preserving the improved bioactivity.

An innovative multi-layer coating comprising a bioactive compound layer (consisting of hydroxyapatite and calcium titanate) with an underlying titanium oxide layer (in the form of anatase and rutile) has been developed on Grade 4 quality commercially pure titanium via a single step micro-arc oxidation process. Deposition of a multi-layer coating on titanium enhanced the bioactivity, while providing antibacterial characteristics as compared its untreated state. Furthermore, introduction of silver (4.6 wt.%) into the multi-layer coating during micro-arc oxidation process imposed superior antibacterial efficiency without sacrificing the bioactivity.