The characterization and development of bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings

Bioactive coatings are currently being plasma-sprayed on implant surfaces in order to optimize bone-implant interactions. However there are problems with the existing coating process, such as poor interfacial adhesion strength, alteration of coating properties, and the lack of an existing coating standard. To overcome some of the problems with the existing plasma-spraying process, investigators are working on other experimental coating methods to increase the adhesion strength as well as to have better control of the coating properties. This review will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of plasma spraying as well as the experimental coating processes