Enhanced biocompatibility of Co-Cr implant material by Ti coating and micro-arc oxidation.

The biocompatibility of Co-Cr alloy was significantly improved by forming a rough TiO(2) layer on its surface. The TiO(2) layer was formed by coating the Co-Cr alloy with titanium (Ti) through electron beam deposition followed by microarc oxidation (MAO). When Ti was coated on the surface, the biocompatibility of the Co-Cr alloy was enhanced and it was further improved by the MAO treatment. There were close relationships between the phase, morphology, and thickness of the TiO(2) layer and the applied voltage. The biocompatibility of the specimens coated with Ti and subjected to MAO treatment was evaluated by in vitro alkaline phosphatase activity tests. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.