Titanium-based hybrid coatings grown using ALD/MLD onto AZ31 screw-like supports for implantable systems

Abstract

Atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) is ideally suited for addressing the challenges faced by the new generation biomedical technologies through surface and interface modification with organic-inorganic hybrid coatings, which are emerging as an alternative to inorganic coatings. In this study, we present a feasible strategy for modifying the surface of magnesium alloy (AZ31) screw-like substrates with titanium-based hybrid coatings, using titanium tetraisopropoxide as the metal-bearing precursor, and a simple aliphatic bi-functional alcohol, such as ethylene glycol, as the organic precursor. Results demonstrated that the titanium-based hybrid coating was evenly distributed without obvious defects on the AZ31 screw-like substrates while providing physical protection. In addition, the cytocompatibility of the titanium-based hybrid coating was validated through the cytotoxicity assay, revealing its potential for future biomedical applications.