Nanostructured hydroxyapatite coatings for medical implants deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering: Properties and biomedical application

This chapter focuses on current achievements in the field of radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputter (RFMS) deposition of biocompatible CaP-based coatings for medical implants with an emphasis on their composition, structure, mechanical and biological performance. The chapter shows that RFMS allows preparing dense, homogeneous, pore-free and highly adherent biocompatible coatings able to prevent leaching of toxic ions from metal to the surrounding tissues, and capable of stimulating osteogenesis of a new bone. The main advantages and limitations of this technique are presented as well as the most important challenges and critical issues are highlighted.