NIR-Reflective and Hydrophobic Bio-Inspired Nano-Holed Configurations on Titanium Alloy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Near-infrared (NIR) radiation is increasingly used in guided external stimulus therapies, particularly for bone-related treatments.
• Metallic biomaterials with NIR-activated properties are crucial for advanced orthopedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomorphic nano-holed titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating on Ti6Al4V alloy using an adapted electroforming approach.
• To investigate the structural, thermal, wetting, and optical properties of the fabricated coating for guided bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Adapted electroforming (anodization) to create periodic nano-pore structures on Ti6Al4V alloy.
• Characterization of thermal stability, hydrophobic wettability (Cassie-Baxter model), and optical response (NIR reflectivity).

Main Results:

• Achieved a biomorphic nano-holed TiO2 coating with periodic nano-pore assembly.
• Demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and hydrophobic wettability, crucial for biological response.
• Observed unique optical properties, including higher NIR reflectivity, improved light confinement, and spontaneous NIR fluorescence emission.

Conclusions:

• The developed TiO2 coating exhibits favorable mechanical, biocompatibility, thermal, wetting, and electro-optical properties.
• This NIR-responsive biomaterial shows significant promise for strategic bone therapeutic procedures and guided bone regeneration.