Enhanced cytocompatibility and antibacterial property of zinc phosphate coating on biodegradable zinc materials

Zinc (Zn) has recently emerged as a promising biodegradable metal thanks to its critical physiological roles and promising degradation behavior. However, cytocompatibility and antibacterial property of Zn is still suboptimal, in part, due to the excessive Zn ions released during degradation. Inspired by the calcium phosphate-based minerals in natural bone tissue, zinc phosphate (ZnP) coatings were prepared on pure Zn using a chemical conversion method in this study. The coating morphology was then optimized through controlling the pH of coating solution, resulting in a homogeneous micro-/nano-ZnP coating structure. The ZnP coating significantly increased the cell viability, adhesion, and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells, while significantly reduced the adhesion of the platelets and E. coli. Additionally, ZnP coating significantly reduced the Zn ion release from the bulk material during degradation process, resulting in a much lower Zn2+ concentration and pH change in the surrounding environment. The improved hemocompatibility, cytocompatibility and antibacterial performance of ZnP coated Zn biomaterials could be mainly attributed to the controlled Zn ion release and micro-/nano-scaled coating structure. Taken together, ZnP coating on Zn-based biomaterial appears to be a viable approach to enhance its biocompatibility and antibacterial property as well as to control its degradation rate. Statement of Significance Zn and its alloys are promising biodegradable implant materials for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications. However, notable cytotoxicity has been reported due to degradation products accumulated in the local environment, largely overdosed Zn2+. Thus, controlling burst Zn2+ release is the key to minimize the toxicity of Zn implants. To achieve this goal, we prepared a homogenous ZnP coating on Zn metals thanks to its easy synthesis, stable chemical property, and good biocompatibility. Results showed that ZnP not only improved the cell viability, adhesion and proliferation, but also significantly reduced the attachment of platelet and bacterial. Therefore, ZnP could be a promising approach to improve the functional performance of Zn-based implants, and potentially be applied to many other medical implants.