Double-layer coating containing doxorubicin on additively manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds for localized bone cancer therapy

Drug-loaded implants could play an important role in targeted bone cancer therapy when malignant bone tumors are removed. In this research, a topcoat containing doxorubicin (Dox) dispersed in a chitosan polymer matrix was applied to a calcium phosphate coating containing zinc oxide nanoparticles deposited by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on additively manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds and then evaluated. The polymer coating, as a thin layer containing the drug, was placed on the surface of the undercoat in samples with different porosities, leading to closure of pores and cracks, especially in surface depressions. The coatings improved the hydrophilic behavior compared to the underlying coating. The total drug loaded on the sample with smaller porosity and double-layer coating (SP-PEO-Dox) was higher than the sample with larger porosity (LP-PEO-Dox), approximately 0.13 mg. Drug release after 6 …