Enhanced Hydrophilicity and Protein Adsorption of Titanium Surface by Sodium Bicarbonate Solution

Abstract EN

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel and convenient method of chemical treatment to modify the hydrophilicity of titanium surfaces.

Sand-blasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces and machined titanium surfaces were treated with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) solution.

The wetting behavior of both kinds of surfaces was measured by water contact angle (WCA) test.

The surface microstructure was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and three-dimensional (3D) optical microscopy.

The elemental compositions of the surfaces were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

The protein adsorption analysis was performed with fibronectin.

Results showed that, after 1 M NaHCO3 treatment, the hydrophilicity of both SLA and machined surfaces was enhanced.

No significant microstructural change presented on titanium surfaces after NaHCO3 treatment.

The deprotonation and ion exchange activities might cause the enhanced hydrophilicity of titanium surfaces.

The increased protein adsorption of NaHCO3-treated SLA surfaces might indicate their improved tissue-integration in clinical use.