Design of biocompatible and self-antibacterial titanium surfaces for biomedical applications

Titanium and its alloys are widely used for orthopaedic and dental applications. The bio-interfacial interactions between implant surfaces and biomacromolecules control the biological performances including protein adsorption, cell adhesion, bacteria attachment and corrosion/degradation. These bio-interfacial interactions are regulated by surface properties like wettability/surface energy, surface charge, roughness and surface chemistry. Surface engineering is a technique to modify these surface properties to achieve desired biological performances. Poor osseointegration and biofilm formation are major challenges for titanium-based implants. This review mainly focuses on recent developments in the design of biocompatible and self-antibacterial titanium surfaces through surface modifications. Physical, chemical and biological routes of surface modifications applied on titanium surfaces have been discussed and their implications on the in-vitro and in -vivo biological responses have been highlighted. The biolog-ical responses have been correlated with the interfacial prop-erties of the surfaces. The design of multi-functional surfaces with both biocompatibility and antibacterial properties has been emphasized.

Automated summary

Titanium and its alloys are commonly used in orthopaedic and dental applications. The interactions between implant surfaces and biomacromolecules influence the biological performances of the implants. Surface engineering is a technique to modify surface properties and achieve desired biological performances. This review focuses on recent developments in designing biocompatible and self-antibacterial titanium surfaces through surface modifications.