Effects of the Origin and Deacetylation Degree of Chitosan on Properties of Its Coatings on Titanium

• Main Authors: Milena Supernak-Marczewska, Andrzej Zielinski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-01-01
• Series: Coatings
• Subjects: chitosan; titanium; coatings; hydrophobicity; bioactivity; adhesion
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/10/2/99

The properties of chitosan coatings on titanium surfaces may be influenced by a variety of factors, including their chemical characteristics and the deposition method. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of a chitosan’s origin (a type of shrimp) and deacetylation degree (DD), when deposited on a very smooth titanium surface, on adhesion and biological behavior. The tests were performed using chitosan of a degree of 87% or 84% of deacetylation and that originated from armor crabs or shrimp armor. The technology of fabrication of chitosan coatings was by surface polishing to a smooth surface, oxidation in air, and immersion in a chitosan solution. The surface topographies were analyzed with an atomic force microscope and their water contact angles were measured by a falling drop method with a goniometer. The bioactivity tests were done in in vitro on osteogenic cells, type MC3T3-E1, with a biological microscope. The abrasion of the coatings was examined using a nano tribotester. The obtained results revealed that the adhesion of the coatings onto a smooth, oxidized titanium surface is appropriate as they remain sufficiently adjacent to the surface after wear tests. The source of chitin has a significant influence on biological properties, and the deacetylation degree is much less critical. The performed tests demonstrated the crucial role that the source of chitosan and the applicability of the applied surface treatment play in the preparation of chitosan coatings.