Electrophoretic deposition of polymethylmethacrylate and composites for biomedical applications

For the first time, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the deposition of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and PMMA-alumina films for biomedical implant applications. The proposed biomimetic approach was based on the use of a bile salt, sodium cholate (NaCh), which served as a multifunctional solubilizing, charging, dispersing and film-forming agent. Investigations revealed PMMA-Ch^- and PMMA-alumina interactions, which facilitated the deposition of PMMA and PMMA-alumina films. This approach allows for the use of a non-toxic water-ethanol solvent for PMMA. The proposed deposition strategy can also be used for co-deposition of PMMA with other functional materials. The PMMA and composite films were tested for biomedical implant applications. The PMMA-alumina films showed statistically improved metabolic results compared to both the bare stainless steel substrate and pure PMMA films. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity affirmed the bioactivity and osteoconductive potential of PMMA and composite films. PMMA-alumina films showed greater ALP activity than both the PMMA-coated and uncoated stainless steel.