title: Bioactive glass-derived trabecular coating: a smart solution for enhancing osteointegration of prosthetic elements.
abstract: In this work, the use of foam-like glass-ceramic scaffolds as trabecular coatings on ceramic prosthetic devices to enhance implant osteointegration is proposed. The feasibility of this innovative device was explored in a simplified, flat geometry: glass-ceramic scaffolds, prepared by polymeric sponge replication and mimicking the trabecular architecture of cancellous bone, were joined to alumina square substrates by a dense glass coating (interlayer). The role played by different formulations of starting glasses was examined, with particular care to the effect on the mechanical properties and bioactivity of the final coating. Microindentations at the coating/substrate interface and tensile tests were performed to evaluate the bonding strength between the sample's components. In vitro bioactive behaviour was assessed by soaking in simulated body fluid and evaluating the apatite formation on the surface and inside the pores of the trabecular coating. The concepts disclosed in the present study can have a significant impact in the field of implantable devices, suggesting a valuable alternative to traditional, often invasive bone-prosthesis fixation.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Materials Engineering and Physics, Applied Science and Technology Department, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy. chiara.vitale@polito.it
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vitale-Brovarone
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baino
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tallia
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gervasio
authors.forename: Enrica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Verné
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002516:Ceramics; D005898:Glass; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D019736:Prostheses and Implants
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials