NiTi shape memory alloys coated with calcium phosphate by plasma-spraying.: Chemical and biological properties

Plates of superelastic nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi) were coated with calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) by high-temperature plasma-spraying. The porous layer of about 100 mum thickness showed a good adhesion to the metallic substrate that withstood bending of the plate but detached upon cutting the plate. The biocompatibility was tested by cultivation of blood cells (whole blood and isolated granulocytes [a subpopulation of blood leukocytes]). As substrates, pure NiTi, plasma-spray-coated NiTi and calcium phosphate-coated NiTi prepared by a dip-coating process were used. The adhesion of whole blood cells to all materials was not significantly different. In contrast, isolated granulocytes showed an increased adhesion to both calcium phosphate-coated NiTi samples. However, compared to non-coated NiTi or dip-coated NiTi, the number of dead granulocytes adherent to plasma-sprayed surfaces was significantly increased for isolated granulocytes (p<0.01).