Influence of Biocompatible Coating on Titanium Surface Characteristics

Background: Nowadays investigations in the field of dental implants engineering are focused on bioactivity and osseointegration properties. Objective: In this study, the oxide-covered titanium was functionalized by vitamin D3 molecules via a simple self-assembly method with the aim to design more corrosion-resistant and at the same time more bioactive surface. Methods: Surface properties of the D3-coated titanium were examined by scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, while long-term corrosion stability during immersion in an artificial saliva solution was investigated in situ by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: Results of all techniques confirmed a successful formation of the vitamin D3 layer on the oxide-covered titanium. Besides very good corrosion resistivity (~5 MΩ cm2), the D3-modified titanium surface induced spontaneous formation of biocompatible bone-like calcium phosphates (CaP). Conclusion: Observed in vitro CaP-forming ability as a result of D3-modified titanium/artificial saliva interactions could serve as a promising predictor of in vivo bioactivity of implant materials.