In the last few years, optimal fixation of orthopaedicimplants evolved to preserve host bone andenhance tissue integration by surface modifications, includingthe use of coatings with bioactive ceramics. Inthis work, we fabricated a novel bone-like porous bioactiveglass-ceramic coating on curved alumina substrates;good joining between the two components was possibledue to the interposition of a glass-derived dense interlayer.The mechanical properties of the porous glass-ceramic,which mimics the 3-D pore architecture of cancellousbone, are adequate for load-bearing applications (compressivestrength of 19 MPa and fracture energy around6.5×10?4 J mm?3, with a total porosity of 62 vol.%). In vitrobioactive behaviour was investigated by testing the samplesin simulated body fluid and by evaluating the apatiteformation on the surface and pore struts of the trabecularcoating, which is a key precondition for in vivo osteointegration.The concepts disclosed in the present study couldfind interesting application in the context of orthopaedicimplants, with particular reference to full-ceramic acetabularcups for hip joint prosthesis.
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