Development of pore functionally graded Ti6Al4V scaffolds with biocompatible surface for bone repair

Pore functionally graded scaffolds (PFGS) were successfully produced via the powder metallurgical space holder technique as a result of the evaporation of magnesium (Mg) particles. The arranged layers containing 20, 40, and 60 vol.% Mg particles were compacted and sintered. In addition, morphological and porosimetry studies were performed to determine an optimum structure. PFGSs were characterised for homogeneous distribution and low agglomeration of micro- and macro-pores. Optimum PFGSs contained 5-60% porosity with an average macro-pore size of about 100 mu m. Finally, an hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles coating (about 10 mu m thickness) was uniformly deposited on PFGS by the sol-gel technique and analysed. PFGSs studied exhibited greatly improved biocompatibility, cyto-compatibility and cell attachment. HA coating augmented the cell proliferation rate of PFGS from 70% to 87% after 14 days incubation.