Superhydrophilic nanostructured surfaces of beta Ti-29Nb alloy for cardiovascular stent applications

Nanostructured coatings on cardiovascular stent surfaces can significantly alter the blood cell response and can effectively tailor the anti-thrombotic potential of the surfaces. The present work investigates the specific impact of physico-chemical characteristics of a hydrothermally treated beta-type Ti-29Nb (at.%) alloy. Surface tailored nanostructured titania surfaces on TiNb alloy and the ensuing blood compatibility have been analyzed. Nanograss-like structures were successfully fabricated on TiNb alloy surfaces via a facile hydrothermal technique. The developed structures exhibited nanotopographies and composed predominantly of anatase titania. Wettability studies revealed the superhydrophilic property of the developed nanograss structures and these structures exhibited reduced hemolysis rates and meagre platelet adhesion and activation. The underlying mechanism of these characteristics is explained in terms of morphology, roughness and chemical composition. In conclusion it is demonstrated that the developed superhydrophilic surface coating can provide new opportunity for blood contacting implant applications.