Surface functionalization of gallium nitride for biomedical implant applications

Abstract

GaN is an aqueous and chemically stable material that has demonstrated biocompatibility with potential in biomedical engineering and offers enormous opportunities to tailor its inherent surface properties and promote efficient biomolecule adhesion with targeted functionalities. In this article, functionalization of GaN surfaces via a three-step process to enhance cell attachment and its effective utilization in in-vivo and in-vitro applications is reported. The morphology and surface chemistry of GaN surfaces were modified using sodium hydroxide and 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane followed via bioconjugation with type 1-human collagen (T1HC), and the changes in chemical states, morphology, wettability, pH, and aqueous stability were investigated. Further, cell culture studies using human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPdlF) cells were undertaken. The proliferation and adhesion/survivability studies at different time intervals on functionalized GaN surfaces were performed and analyzed via MTT Assay and SEM evaluation. It has been observed that the hydroxyl species and protonated amines promotes the adhesion of the silane coupling agent and human collagen, which remains stable under standard cell culture media. The chemically functionalized T1HC bio-conjugated GaN surfaces display excellent cell culture properties with complete cell adhesion and viability of ∼ 95 %. The research revealed that chemically functionalized GaN might be useful in various procedures where integrating soft tissues with implant surfaces is crucial.