Synthesis and characterisation of bioactive and antibacterial glass ceramic Part 2 - plasma spary coatings on metallic substrates

Plasma spray bioactive glass ceramic coatings on metallic substrates have been characterised and modified by a patented ion exchange process1 in order to introduce silver ions onto their surface and confer antibacterial properties. Both treated and untreated materials have been analysed by means of SEM, EDS and XRD in order to verify the amount of introduced silver, and also after immersion in simulated body fluid in order to nvestigate bioactivity. The amount of silver released in simulated body fluid has been quantified by means of graphite furnace atomic adsorption spectrophotometry analysis. Finally cellular and microbiological test have been performed in order to verify material biocompatibility and antibacterial behaviour.