2007 Volume 20 Issue 2 Pages 287-292
Surface wettability of implants and functional groups created on implant surfaces play important roles in the initial adhesion and subsequent behavior of cells. This study aimed to clarify the effect of glow-discharge plasma treatment and storage condition on surface wettability (contact angle) of titanium. In addition, functional groups created on titanium surfaces were identified. The water contact angle dramatically decreased after glow-discharge plasma treatment with less than 5 degrees, leading to hydrophilicity. This value rapidly increased over time in air atmosphere, and reached 72 degrees at 7 days. On the other hand, the hydrophilicity was maintained by storage in distilled water or acetone with contact angles of 43 degrees or 14 degrees at 7 days, and 54 degrees or 29 degrees at 30 days, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that basic hydroxyl groups were introduced on the titanium surfaces by immersion in distilled water after glow-discharge plasma treatment, suggesting that this process promotes osseointegration of titanium implants. In conclusion, glow-discharge plasma treatment and subsequent storage in water or acetone is a promising method for controlling the surface wettability and introduction of functional groups.
