Electrophoretic polymer-inorganic phase coatings for biomedical applications
Investigator: Silvia Clavijo (PhD Student)
Supervisors: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Aldo R. Boccaccini, Dr.Maria J. Santillan (FCAI, Argentina)
Research is being carried out in the field of bioactive coatings focusing on the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique to fabricate composite biomedical coatings, combining bioactive inorganic particles (e.g. bioactive glass) and polymeric materials such as stable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and biodegradable chitosan.
The stability of EPD suspensions is being evaluated by their rheological behavior. PEEK/Bioglass(R) and chitosan/Bioglass (R) composite coatings are produced on metallic planar substrates (stainless steel AISI 316L foils or titanium foils) and on porous metallic foams. The characterization of the coatings involves surface analysis, adhesion strength, hardness, degradability and biocompatibility in contact with relevant cells.
In a continuation of the project, the inclusion of therapeutic drugs is planned, in order to develop multi-functional coatings by EPD, useful in therapeutic tissue engineering.
