Enhancing in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion protection of organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel films with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite.

Application of novel organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel coatings containing dispersed hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles improves the biocompatibility, normal human osteoblast (NHOst) response in terms of osteoblast viability and adhesion of a Ti6Al4V alloy routinely used in medical implants. The incorporation of HAp particles additionally results in more effective barrier proprieties and improved corrosion protection of the Ti6Al4V alloy through higher degree of cross-linking in the organopolysiloxane matrix and enhanced film thickness.