Characterization and protein-adsorption behavior of deposited organic thin film onto titanium by plasma polymerization with hexamethyldisiloxane.

Plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) thin film was deposited onto titanium using a radio-frequency apparatus for the surface modification of titanium. A titanium disk was first polished using colloidal silica at pH=9.8. Plasma-polymerized HMDSO films were firmly attached to the titanium by heating the titanium to a temperature of approximately 250 degrees C. The thickness of the deposited film was 0.07-0.35mum after 10-60min of plasma polymerization. The contact angle with respect to double distilled water significantly increased after HMDSO coating. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the deposited thin film consisted of Si, C, and O atoms. No Ti peaks were observed on the deposited surface. The deposited HMDSO film was stable during 2-weeks immersion in phosphate buffer saline solution. Fourier transform reflection-absorption spectroscopy showed the formation of Si-H, Si-C, C-H, and Cz.dbnd6;O bonds in addition to Si-O-Si bonds. Quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation measurement demonstrated that the deposition of HMDSO thin films on titanium has a benefit for fibronectin adsorption at the early stage. In conclusion, plasma polymerization is a promising technique for the surface modification of titanium. HMDSO-coated titanium has potential application as a dental implant material.