The composite films of gradient TiO2-based/nano-scale hydrophilic sodium titanate: Biomimetic apatite induction and cell response

Chemical treatment was performed to modify the surfaces of the TiO₂-based (TOB) film containing P for improving its bioactivity. The apatite-forming ability of the chemically treated TOB (C-TOB) film was enhanced due to the formation of hydroxyl-functionalized surface during the SBF immersion process. However, further heat treatment of the C-TOB films formed crystalline sodium titanate, showing poor ability to release Na⁺ ions, which does not facilitate the formation of hydroxyl-functionalized surface, thus lowering the apatite-forming ability. Firstly, amorphous Ca- and P-containing precipitates formed during the SBF immersion process, eventually transformed to crystalline biomimetic apatite, exhibiting a porous structure on two-scales of micron and nanometer levels. The preliminary cell experiment showed that the C-TOB film has good biocompatibility.