Immobilisation of apatite on Ti30Ta alloy surface by electrospinning of PCL

Surface modifications of titanium alloy have been extensively researched for the purpose of increasing the biocompatibility of medical implants. In this study, a Ti30Ta alloy surface was modified by functionalisation with electrospun poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) followed by the immobilisation of apatite (AP) to achieve a bioactive surface. Human adipose-derived stem cells were then cultured on the surfaces for up to 7 d to ensure the effects of PCL and AP treatments on cytocompatibility and cellular fate processes. PCL fibres and alloy surfaces were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis techniques. The analyses showed a uniform deposition of the electrospun PCL fibres on the entire Ti30Ta alloy surface. In addition, increases in cell growth and proliferation were seen after 7 d. Results indicated that the surface treatment of the Ti30Ta alloy with electrospun fibres and AP immobilisation may increase the bioactivity of the surface and provide a beneficial surface modification for use in biomedical applications.