Surface modification of metallic biomaterials for enhanced functionality: a review

Abstract

Surface modifications of biomaterials play a vital role in matching the complexities of the biological system and improving the performance of bioimplants. Suitably customised surface modifications can substantially enhance the relation of material towards biocompatibility, bondability and host cells associations. In addition, materials surface engineering accelerates the progression and configuration of next-generation biomaterials and restorative gadgets. This review article dedicates to the surface modification techniques of several essential metallic biomaterials, viz. stainless steel, magnesium, titanium and chromium-cobalt. It presents the unique novel futuristic method of surface modification via electrical discharge machining (EDM) process which still awaits to prove its potential in the biomedical domain. Previously established research work on this nonconventional machining process elucidates that an adequate surface integrity can be achieved by control of crucial EDM process parameters such as pulse on, pulse off, current, polarity, dielectric medium and tool electrodes. Therefore, there is ample scope for the EDM process in examining the issues related to the synthesis and precise shaping of the bioimplants.