Surface modification of coralline scaffold for the improvement of biocompatibility and bioactivity of osteoblast

•Surface of coralline scaffold was modified with calcium phosphate coating.•The coating did not alter the structural and mechanical properties of the scaffold.•Osteoblast differentiation and mineralization was enhanced by the coating.•Degradation of scaffold was considerably slowed by the coating.•In vivo histological assessment revealed the improved biocompatibility of the scaffold. Coral is a marine invertebrate consisting of calcium carbonate and used as orthopedic implants due to porous structure and mechanical properties. Its chemical composition, however, can cause rapid degradation and inflammatory response upon implantation. In this study, a surface modification method is developed for coralline scaffold using calcium phosphate (CP) to improve the biocompatibility and osteoblast bioactivity. The physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated. In vitro investigation demonstrates that the CP coating promoted the osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. In vivo histological assessment revealed not only reduction in inflammatory response but increase in collagen synthesis in the CP-coated coralline scaffold.