Novel mussel-inspired Ti-6Al-4V surfaces with biocompatibility, blood ultra-drag reduction and superior durability

Abstract

In order to develop new Ti-based biomaterials with biocompatibility, blood ultra-drag reduction and superior durability, a novel fabrication combining simple electrochemical and chemical processes was proposed. After being modified by C14H19F13O3Si (FAS), a biocompatible TiO2-SiO2-polydopamine composite surface on Ti-6Al-4V substrate was obtained. The biocompatibility was evaluated using a series of in vitro test, revealing that compared with Ti-6Al-4V alloys, the surfaces exhibited a number of bio-advantages such as anti-platelet aggregation, anti-bovine serum albumin protein adsorption, a lower hemolysis rate (~0.7%) and non-cytotoxicity (the cell viability >88%). The test of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) cultured on the specimens for 48h showed better cell proliferation of the surface. Moreover, we explored the blood dynamic characteristics of titanium alloy substrate biomaterial for the first time, with a focus on the effects of dopamine-reactant concentration on blood flow resistance. The results showed that, compared to titanium alloy material, the TiO2-SiO2 surface modified by 4mg·mL−1 dopamine solution displayed the optimal blood drag reduction characteristics, reaching a 76% drag reduction. After a 2m (800 meshes, 3500Pa) sandpaper abrasion test, the surface still maintained a superior repellency of blood (contact angles>150°, sliding angles<10°). This practical method may expand the applications of biomedical implantation materials.