Surface modification, characterization and biofunctionality of pegylated titanate films obtained by the sol-gel method

Pegylated titanates have been prepared as biomedical supports in the form of thin films. The independent preparation of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a titanium isopropoxide (TIPT) precursor was followed by mixing at different molar ratios and spin casting onto Si (100) substrates to form the films. Activation of the hybrid structure was induced by annealing at temperatures right below the PEG melting point. Structural and compositional changes during these steps were followed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XPS and water contact angle (CA) measurements. Biofunctionality of the pegylated titanates as antifouling ophthalmic films was tested on the one hand by determination of optical constants using genetic algorithms. On the other hand, indication of surface biocompatibility was provided by seeding mesenchymal stem cells. The results show that PEG‐rich surfaces are less biocompatible than mild inorganic surfaces as derived from the inhibition of cytoskeleton polarization. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.