Visualization of the Interface between Cell and Ceramic Coating by Electron Microscopy and Tomography Techniques

To improve the stability of bone-material connection various surface modifications are applied to titanium based implants. Such new biomaterials require detailed characterization, including their biocompatibility. In the present study focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope tomography was applied to investigate the internal structure of ceramic coating as well as cell-material interface. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope tomography involves repeated focused ion beam milling and subsequent scanning electron microscope imaging of exposed sample surface and is followed by 3D reconstruction. This approach enables receiving additional information about the sample, unavailable at 2D images. The qualitative and quantitative investigation of pores in the ceramic coating was performed. The porosity of investigated volume: 8.5× 1.1× 3.9 μm³ was calculated as 24%. Additionally, based on 3D reconstruction the visualization of the coherent interface between cell and ceramic coating was done.