Annealed thin-film zirconia coating adhered on 316L stainless steel as a bio-inert indwelling needle. (25th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Han; Yao, Chih-Kai; Liao, Jiunn-Der; Shao, Pei-Lin; Thi, Minh-Hien Ngo; Lin, Yu-Hui; Juang, Yung-Der
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 88(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2015-12-25
• Subjects: 316L stainless steel -- Zirconia coating -- Sol–gel method -- In vitro and in vivo studies -- Adhesion force; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2015.09.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: A 316L stainless steel plate was covered with a ZrO2 coating using the sol–gel dip coating technique, and preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted. The morphology and crystal structure of the coatings were examined using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, and their surface chemical structures were characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The quality and adhesion of the coatings on the substrate were measured using a nano-indenter with lateral force and scratch modes. ZrO2 was formed on a 316L plate at various temperatures, resulting in different crystalline structures, surface morphologies, and integration with the 316L surface. The optimal conditions to produce ZrO2 –316L are an annealing temperature of 500 °C and duration of 1 h (ZrO2 /316L_500), yielding an adhesive force of 595 μN. 3T3 cell morphology, adhesion, and viability using the live/dead cell staining protocol were assessed. Cell affinity was significantly enhanced on the surface of ZrO2 /316L_500, compared to the as prepared sample. Furthermore, after mice were injected with 316L and ZrO2 /316L_500 needles for durations of up to 72 h, wound contraction, inflammation, and proliferation were compared. The results indicate that the ZrO2 /316L_500 needle exhibits high potential as a bio-inert coating and that it can be applied to scalpels and indwelling needles. Graphical abstract: The in vitro and in vivo responses are most likely induced by the bio-inertness of the zirconia coating, which significantly reduces the impact of the wound healing process and is thus suitable for a tissue-invasive surface. Highlights: A sol–gel method was used to deposit a zirconia coating on 316L for indwelling needle applications. The optimal conditions for the zirconia coating production were an annealing temperature of 500 °C and a duration of 1 h. The measured critical load in ZrO2 coatings and adhesive force at the interface significantly increased with increasing annealing temperature. The surface composition and structure of the sample annealed at 500 °C was found to be the most suitable for tissue-invasive surfaces.