Surface modification of poly(<small>L</small>-lactic acid)-vaterite composites on a zirconia substrate by imogolite coating

Abstract

Zirconia ceramics were coated with poly(L-lactic acid)-vaterite composite for introducing osteoconductivity. Aluminum silicate (imogolite) nanotubes were successfully applied to the composite coatings via a dipping process and subsequent heat treatment for the enhancement of cell attachment, using the hydrophilicity of imogolite. The heat treatment improved the adhesive strength between the imogolite and the composite coatings. Osteoblast-like cell cultures on the samples showed that the imogolite coating enhanced the cell attachment.