AVS 47th International Symposium
    Biomaterial Interfaces Wednesday Sessions
       Session BI-WeP

Paper BI-WeP3
Macroporous TiO@sub 2@ Films Prepared on Ti Surfaces with Predefined, Micron-Sized Pores

Wednesday, October 4, 2000, 11:00 am, Room Exhibit Hall C & D

Session: Poster Session
Presenter: F.A. Akin, University of Illinois at Chicago
Authors: F.A. Akin, University of Illinois at Chicago
L. Hanley, University of Illinois at Chicago
Correspondent: Click to Email
Surface morphology is critical to the biocompatibility of hard tissue implants, such as those used for dental and orthopedic applications. Porous bioceramics are commonly used for some applications due to their ability to encourage bone ingrowth, but they lack the physical strength required for load bearing applications. A new method is described for preparing thick, macroporous TiO@sub 2@ films on Ti surfaces with pre-defined, micron-sized pores. Scanning electron microscopy shows that these pores 1) are controlled to a narrow size range by the synthetic process, 2) can be prepared from 0.5 to ~100 µm diameter, and 3) are interconnected within the film. The films are ~0.1 mm thick and strongly adherent to the Ti surface. X-ray photoelectron spectra indicate that these films can be prepared as elementally pure TiO@sub 2@. X-ray diffraction indicates that the films are monophasic as either anatase or rutile TiO@sub 2@. Scanning electron microscopy following immersion in Ringer's solution for several days shows that the films are not expected to undergo resorption following implantation. The effect of pore size is examined for fibroblast proliferation and spreading in vitro. These macroporous TiO@sub 2@ films should allow applications that combine the favorable mechanical properties of Ti metal implants with the tissue engineering enhancements possible with porous bioceramics.