Deposition and surface functionalization of TiO2 thin films prepared by RF sputtering

Abstract

This proposal is part of a multidisciplinary approach, inserted in the new area of nanobiotechnology, which is changing the diagnosis and treatment of several diseases and pathologies. Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been employed as surface modifiers in medical implants, promoting improvement in biocorrosion resistance of the material and increased bioactivity of oxides, with promising results in the interaction with living tissue. Despite the biocompatibility of this oxide to be recognized, there still are many aspects of adhesion mechanisms between the proteins and the surface of this oxide material. In terms of a chemical point-of-view, the surfaces of these oxides are mainly completed by -OH groups that may be readily functionalized. Such chemical functionalization or simply a physical change of the material surface can improve the interaction of the oxide with the biological environment. This proposal aims to synthesize TiO2 thin films on metallic titanium substrates by the use of the RF magnetron sputtering technique and to study different surface functionalization strategies and some aspects of the protein adsorption. Finally, this proposal aims to conduct preliminary biological tests evaluating the interaction of thin films prepared with biological material. (AU)