Electrohydrodynamic coating of metal with nano-sized hydroxyapatite.

Electrohydrodynamic spray deposition of a hydroxyapatite (HA) suspension consisting of nano-particles has been used to create a hydroxyapatite coating comprising of nanostructured surface topography. Preliminary coating experiments were carried out on an Al substrate and 30 s was found to be the most appropriate coating time. HA coating on titanium for this duration was found to be well-bonded to the substrate after heat-treatment. A thickness of 2 mum was achieved in 30 s and formation of a bone-like apatite on the surface was detected after incubation of the heat-treated coated Ti in simulated body fluid. Therefore, we have uncovered a new procedure by which nano-biomaterials can be deposited on real orthopedic substrates to prepare bioactive thin coatings in a simple and easy manner.