Biological and corrosion evaluation of Laponite®: Poly (caprolactone) nanocomposite coating for biomedical applications

Ehsan Tabesh, Mahshid Kharaziha, Mohamad Mahmoudi, Erfan Shahnam, Mehran Rozbahani

In this study, Laponite®:poly(caprolactone)(PCL) nanocomposite coatings were developed on 316 L stainless steel via electrophoretic process to improve its biological and electrochemical characteristics. In this respect, different voltages (60 and 90 V) and weight ratios of Laponite®:PCL (2:5, 1:1 and 5:2) were applied to develop nanocomposite coatings on 316 L stainless steel. Results illustrated that the electrophoretic deposition process with the applied voltage of 60 V resulted in the formation of defect and pore-free coatings. Moreover, the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of the nanocomposite coating consisting of Laponite®:PCL with the weight ratio of 1:1 considerably improved, compared to the substrate and other nanocomposite coated samples. Moreover, Laponite®:PCL with the weight ratio of 1:1 provided higher roughness and adhesion strength than other coatings. In addition, incorporation of Laponite® nanoparticles significantly promoted MG63 cell proliferation and spreading. In summary, our results confirmed that surface modification using Laponite®:PCL nanocomposite coating could instantaneously promote electrochemical properties and biological properties of 316 L stainless steel which make it favorable for bone implants.