Pulsed laser deposition of thin calcium phosphate coatings

Abstract

This chapter reviews the work performed by the international research community on the production of thin calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings by p'ulsed laser deposition (PLD). Studies on the mechanisms of the technique shed light on the scientific bases for optimization of the coatings beyond empirical work. The relations between the physicochemical coating properties and the various processing parameters are presented. PLD can produce extremely thin, dense, well adhering CaP coatings with extraordinary controlled chemistry and crystallinity. No postdeposition thermal annealing is needed. Different CaP phases and morphologies can be deposited, so the degree of resorption may be adapted to a specific medical application. Coatings with graded composition or graded crystallinity can readily be produced, not only on metal substrates but also on polymers. In vitro and in vivo testing with various cells and animal models have verified similar or better osseointegration of the PLD coatings compared to the commercially available plasma-sprayed coatings, with improved adhesion properties and without risk of delamination or detachment of the coating. The technique is mature enough for an industrial scale-up and the start of clinical tests with real dental or orthopedic implants. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.