Fabrication of a durable superhydrophobic surface for prosthetic joints by a titania-modified SiO2 nanocomposite

We attempted to create a durable superhydrophobic surface for prosthetic joints using titania-modified SiO2 nanocomposites coated on glass plates. Differences in the surface structures due to the modified SiO2 contents were examined in terms of hydrophobicity, hardness, crystallinity, and anti-adhesion efficiency of the fibroblasts. The optimal ratio was 9:1 (dip-coating solution:SiO2), and the water contact angle was 152°. Furthermore, the composite-coated glass plate yielded a lower cell adhesion rate (<10%) than did an untreated glass plate. The titania-modified SiO2 nanocomposite created by this simple method can be used in implantable medical devices and tissue engineering as a durable superhydrophobic surface.