Functionalized metal oxides thin films for the study of protein adsorption

Abstract

This proposal is inserted into a multidisciplinary context, as a part of the new subject of nanobiotechnology. Nanostructured metal oxides (TiO2 and ZnO) have been used as surface modifiers in medical implants, promoting improvements in the biocorrosion effects and increased oxides bioactivity, which indicates promising results in the interaction with living tissues. Despite of recognized biocompatibility of these oxides, there still are many aspects of the mechanisms of adhesion between the proteins and the metal oxides surfaces.Different in vitro and in vivo tests demonstrate that the biocompatibility and biocorrosion properties depend on the composition, thickness, homogeneity and porosity of the oxide. Chemically, the surface of such oxides are mainly terminated by -OH groups which can be readily functionalized. This chemical functionalization or simply a physical change in the material surface can improve the interaction of the oxide with the biological environment.This project proposes to improve understanding of the mechanisms of adsorption of proteins on different structures of metal oxides. The aim of this study is the evaluation the physicochemical and thermodynamic parameters, in order to better analyze the interaction and adsorption of protein to the oxide covered metal surface, since different biomedical applications require different properties of protein -oxide interaction. Different strategies for functionalization and adsorption will be studied and tested in biological systems. (AU)