Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are ordered organic films formed by adsorption of an active organic coating on a solid surface. Their formation provides an alternative, highly innovative, to current traditional chemical treatments of the titanium surfaces. For this reason the structural phases, the formation and the growth of SAMs is described from a surface science point of view. Particulars are given to SAMs on titanium concerning surface morphology, chemical composition and affinity of specific head group for Ti surfaces (silanes, siloxane, phosphonates and phosphates). Preparation, coating methodologies, limitations and techniques used for the characterization of SAMs are reported. For their physicochemical characteristics and micro-nano scale features some perspectives of using SAMs in biomedical application are outlined.
Highlights
The biocompatibility of an osteointegrated titanium implant is correlated with its physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are ordered organic films formed by adsorption of an active organic coating on a solid surface
Particulars are given to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on titanium concerning surface morphology, chemical composition and affinity of specific head group for Ti surfaces
Summary
The biocompatibility of an osteointegrated titanium implant is correlated with its physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics. More clinical and research studies were produced in order to modified the titanium surface with different chemical (acid oxidation, peroxidation, alkalization, crystalline hydroxyapatite deposition, electrochemical anodization) and physical approaches (compactation on particles, ion beam, pressure or chemical vapour deposition) [2]. With all this methods a macro, micro and nano-scale surface modification is obtained [3,4]. SAMs have shifted the focus of surface science from metals and metal oxides to surfaces composed of organic molecules, and allowed studies of surfaces in contact with solvents and of biologically relevant surfaces. SAMs formation provides an alternative highly innovative to the current chemical treatments towards surface functionalization by amphiphilic molecules, which could be of great use for several practical applications such as chemical sensing (biosensors), adhesion (cell or protein), control of surface properties like wettability and friction, corrosion inhibition, patterning, semiconductor passivation, and organic electronics [37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
