Plasma-treated biomaterials

Atmospheric pressure plasma spraying is currently used to fabricate relatively thick ceramic coatings for orthopedic applications such as hip joints replacements. We have recently fabricated bioactive nanostructured titanium oxide coatings that are bioactive and conducive to the growth of apatite. The materials are synthesized by nanoparticle atmospheric pressure plasma spraying followed by low-pressure plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). Surface bioactivity can also be induced by irradiating the nanostructure TiO₂ coatings with ultraviolet light instead of hydrogen plasma ion implantation. PIII is a useful method to treat other types of biomaterials to enhance the surface bioactivity. Recent applications of the technology to modify orthopedic materials as well as biocompatible and antibacterial coatings are described in this invited paper. © 2007 IEEE.