Biomimetic nano-apatite coating capable of promoting bone ingrowth.

Nano-apatite coating closely mimicking bone mineral was grown directly on titanium soaked in an aqueous solution containing all major inorganic components present in the body, mainly, HCO3(-), Ca(2+), HPO4(2-), and Mg(2+) ions. The removal of HCO3(-) ions from the solution in the form of CO2 resulted in the increase of solution pH. As a consequence of this reaction, the nano-apatite coating was formed on the surface of titanium with composition and structure equivalent to those of bone mineral. The biomimetic nano-apatite was demonstrated to be capable of conducting bone formation and promoting direct bone apposition. This bioactive coating also affected the behavior of human osteoblasts as indicated by their morphologies observed in cell culture study.