Characterization of self-assembled decyl bis phosphonate–Collagen layers on titanium by QCM-D and osteoblast-compatibility

Quartz crystal microbalance dissipation (QCM-D) was used to monitor the layer by layer (LBL) self-assemble process of decyl bis phosphonate (DBP) and Collagen on titanium. The mass and viscoelastic properties of self-assembled layers were obtained using QCM-D. The stability of DBP and Collagen layer on titanium was tested to be very good. Osteoblasts cell culture was performed on LBL modified samples and that after BSA adsorption. The morphology of cells was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The total metabolic activity and differentiation of osteoblasts were evaluated by a metabolic assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, respectively. These tests showed that osteoblasts have better activity, proliferation, and differentiation on Collagen terminated samples and BSA adsorbed samples. These results, along with the good biomineralization and protein adsorption abilities of Ti/DBP/Collagen surface (tested in our previous work), suggest titanium modified by this layer by layer technique has the potential application for medical implants.