Hyaluronic acid stimulates the formation of calcium phosphate on CoCrMo alloy in simulated physiological solution.

The behaviour of CoCrMo alloy has been studied in two simulated physiological solutions-NaCl and Hanks' solutions-each containing the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a component of synovial joint fluid, so the behaviour of orthopaedic alloys in its presence needs to be assessed. Electrochemical methods, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been used to analyse the composition, thickness and morphology of any layers formed on the alloy. The addition of hyaluronic acid shifts the corrosion potential and increases the value of polarization resistance. The presence of hyaluronic acid in simulated Hanks' physiological solution stimulates the formation of a calcium phosphate layer, opening up the possibility for tailoring the surface properties of CoCrMo alloy. The viability of human osteoblast-like was determined using the Alamar(®) Blue Assay, while the osteogenic activity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity. The presence of hyaluronic acid affects the alkaline phosphatase activity.