Alkali surface modification of titanium for biomedical implants

Nanostructures were successfully created on titanium (Ti) substrates through alkali treatment. By varying the concentration, temperature, and duration of the alkali treatment, different nanostructure surfaces were achieved on Ti. FE-SEM analysis revealed a transition from a smooth to a nanoporous surface structure. The alkali treatment notably decreased the contact angle of Ti from 64° to 48°. Raman spectroscopy of Ti treated with 5 M NaOH at 80 °C for 24 h showed distinct titanate peaks at 188, 190, and 270 cm−1, confirming the formation of titanate compounds on the Ti surface. EIS measurements further demonstrated that the treated Ti exhibited reduced chemical activity, increased surface roughness, and porosity of approximately 40–50 compared to untreated Ti. In vitro biocompatibility tests using baby hamster kidney cells indicated positive cell attachment and proliferation after 72 h of culturing on the alkali-treated Ti. These modifications enhance the surface properties and expand the potential applications of titanium in biomedical, industrial, and environmental technologies. © 2024 Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Wiley-VCH GmbH.