In vitro bioactivity and osteoblast-like cell test of zinc containing fluoridated hydroxyapatite films

Zinc containing fluoridated hydroxyapatite (ZnFHA) films on Ti6Al4V substrates was prepared using sol-gel dip-coating method. The release of zinc ions from ZnFHA film was controlled mainly by the zinc content in the film. The release behavior showed an initial rapid increase release followed by a tapering-off and directed to a constant value at longer time. After soaking in SBF for 8 days, a layer was deposited and completely covered the original surface of the ZnFHA film, indicating good in vitro "bioactivity." The osteoblast-like MG63 cells were seeded on the ZnFHA films; FHA film and Ti6Al4V substrate were used as control. The cell culture result showed that cell adhesion and proliferation on ZnFHA films were significantly increased compared with the controls. The results in this work suggest that ZnFHA films on Ti6Al4V substrates can function as an implant with good bioactivity and cytocompatibility.