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.