Implants are used to replace damaged biological structures in human body. Although stainless steel (SS) is a well-known implant material, corrosion of SS implants leads to the release of toxic metallic ions, which produce harmful effects in human body. To prevent material degradation and its harmful repercussions, these implanted materials are subjected to biocompatible coatings. Polymeric coatings play a vital role in enhancing the mechanical and biological integrity of the implanted devices. Zein is a natural protein extracted from corn and is known to have good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, zein/Ag-Sr doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ag-Sr MBGNs) were deposited on SS substrates via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at different parameters. Ag and Sr ions were added to impart antibacterial and osteogenic properties to the coatings, respectively. In order to examine the surface morphology of coatings, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. To analyze mechanical strength, a pencil scratch test, bend test, and corrosion and wear tests were conducted on zein/Ag-Sr doped MBGN coatings. The results show good adhesion strength, wettability, corrosion, and wear resistance for zein/Ag-Sr doped MBGN coatings as compared to bare SS substrate. Thus, good mechanical and biological properties were observed for zein/Ag-Sr doped MBGN coatings. Results suggested these zein/Ag-Sr MBGNs coatings have great potential in bone regeneration applications.
Keywords: antibacterial; biomedical implants; electrophoretic deposition; osteogenesis.