OBJECTIVE The fabrication of bioactive coatings on metallic implants to enhance osseointegration has become a topic of general interest in orthopedics and dentistry. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating has been shown to induce bone formation and promote bone-implant integration. Unfortunately, poor mechanical performance has hindered this from becoming a favorable coating material. The majority of present studies have focused in incorporating different elements into HA coatings to improve mechanical properties. In recent years, tantalum (Ta) has received increasing attention due to its excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. The aim of on the present study was to investigate the fabrication and biological performance of Ta-incorporated HA coatings. METHODS Ta-incorporated HA coatings were fabricated using the plasma spray technique on a titanium substrate, and the surface characteristics and mechanical properties were examined. In addition, the effects of Ta-incorporated HA coatings on the biological behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were investigated. RESULTS Ta-incorporated HA coatings with microporous structure had higher roughness and wettability. In addition, the bonding strength of Ta/HA coatings with the substrate was substantially superior to HA coatings. Furthermore, Ta-incorporated HA coatings not only facilitated initial cell adhesion and faster proliferation, but also promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the incorporation of Ta could improve mechanical performance and increase the osteogenic activity of HA coatings. The Ta-incorporated HA coating fabricated by plasma spraying is expected to be a promising bio-coating material for metallic implants.

中文翻译：

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钛植入物上钽结合的羟基磷灰石涂层：其机械和体外成骨特性。

目的在金属植入物上制造生物活性涂层以增强骨整合已成为骨科和牙科界普遍关注的话题。羟基磷灰石（HA）涂层已显示出可诱导骨骼形成并促进骨骼与植入物的融合。不幸的是，不良的机械性能阻碍了其成为良好的涂层材料。目前的大多数研究集中在将不同元素掺入HA涂料中以改善机械性能。近年来，钽（Ta）由于其出色的生物相容性和耐腐蚀性而受到越来越多的关注。本研究的目的是研究掺Ta的HA涂层的制备和生物学性能。方法采用等离子喷涂技术在钛基体上制备掺有Ta的HA涂层，并检查其表面特性和力学性能。此外，还研究了掺有Ta的HA涂层对间充质干细胞（BMSCs）生物学行为的影响。结果Ta掺入的具有微孔结构的HA涂层具有较高的粗糙度和润湿性。另外，Ta / HA涂层与基材的结合强度明显优于HA涂层。此外，掺有Ta的HA涂层不仅促进了初始细胞粘附和更快的增殖，而且还促进了BMSC的成骨分化。结论这些结果表明掺入Ta可以改善HA涂层的机械性能并增加其成骨活性。