Promising electrodeposited biocompatible coatings for steel obtained from polymerized microemulsions

[Display omitted] •Polymerized microemulsions including polymer and soy lecithin were prepared.•Microemulsions were electrodeposited on 316 L steel surface.•Obtained coatings were hydrophilic, repellent towards protein, non-cytotoxic.•The coatings showed resistance during 21 days of constant washing (37 °C, mixing).•The coatings were robust, low cost, simple and thus promising. Surprisingly, polymerized oil-in-water microemulsions containing soy lecithin have not yet been applied to obtain electrodeposited biocompatible coatings on stainless steel surface. Here, it was assumed that poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) incorporated in the emulsion would strengthen the adhesion to steel surface which could result in prolonged sustainability during washing. Polymerized microemulsions composed of oil phase including methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polymerization initiator with lecithin as a surfactant were prepared, characterized and then electrodeposited on the surface of steel samples. The physicochemical and biocompatible properties of the obtained SS-PMMALec coatings were determined and linked with the microemulsions polymerization time. The coatings were proven to be non-toxic and to prevent human serum albumin adsorption. Especially one variant of the tested coatings exhibited satisfactory properties. The polymerized microemulsions are the promising substrate for preparation of coatings for metal implants with simple, low-cost and versatile electrodeposition method.