Effect of UV Photofunctionalization of HA/TiO₂ Coated Implants Prepared by Dual-Target Sputtering on Bone-Implant Integration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the biological response to a hydroxyapatite (HA)/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) hybrid (Hyb) coated implant surface after ultraviolet UV irradiation. After acid etching, titanium (Ti) disc and implant surfaces were modified using HA and TiO₂ targets, employing single-target and dual-target sputter deposition techniques, and subjected to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The surface roughness and hydrophilicity were analyzed, and the biomechanical strength of the bone-implant interface was assessed using an implant biomechanical push-in test. We found that UV irradiation improved the strength of the bone-implant interface for all modified Ti surfaces. The Hyb surface showed greater bone-implant integration than the microrough (acid etched) or single-target sputtered surfaces (TiO₂ and HA).