Biocompatible Nb₂O₅ thin films prepared by means of the sol–gel process

Abstract

Thin biocompatible oxide films with an optimised composition and structure on the surface of titanium and its alloys can improve the implant integration. The preparation of these thin oxide layers with the intended improvement of the surface properties can be realised by means of the sol–gel process. Nb₂O₅ is a promising coating material for this application because of its extremely high corrosion resistance and thermodynamic stability. In this study, thin Nb₂O₅ layers (<200 nm) were prepared by spin coating of polished discs of cp-titanium with a sol consisting of a mixture of niobium ethoxide, butanol and acetylacetone. The thickness, phase composition, corrosion resistance and the wettability of the oxide layers were determined after an optimisation of the processing parameters for deposition of oxide without any organic impurities. The purity of the oxide layer is an important aspect in order to avoid a negative response to the cell adhesion. The biocompatibility of the oxide layers which was investigated by in vitro tests (morphology, proliferation rate, WST-1, cell spreading) is improved as compared to uncoated and TiO₂ sol–gel coated cp-titanium concerning the spreading of cells, collagen I synthesis and wettability.