Observation of Apatite Formation on Titanium Plate and Bone Surfaces in Electric Stimulation

Apatite formation due to mineralization has important implications in the biological function of hard tissues. The mechanical properties of mineralized tissues such as teeth enamel, dentin, and bone depend strongly on the apatite structure in the tissue. The control of both volume fraction and apatite texture is important in determining the structural characteristics. It is also important to create an apatite layer on the surface of implanted materials to improve biocompatibility between the surface and the tissues. In this study, apatite deposition and formation on Ti plates and bone surfaces were studied by means of electric stimulation conducted in apatite-neutralizing solution. Apatite particles were deposited not only on the Ti plate surfaces but also on the bone, combined with Ti wires wrapped under DC loading. Apatite crystal growth was observed on the samples during electric stimulation.