Bioactive TiO2 ultrathin film with worm-like mesoporosity for controlled drug delivery

Ultrathin mesoporous TiO2 coatings with a wormhole-like architecture were synthesized using evaporation-induced self-assembly method. The morphological and chemical structures of TiO2 films were characterized using small-angle and large-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The films demonstrated a thickness of ∼120 nm and open-porous nanostructure. By taking advantage of the tortuosity of the worm-like mesoporous architecture associated with the chemistry of the TiO2 film, a sustained drug release using ibuprofen and vancomycin as model molecules from the film was determined. Besides, adhesion behavior of osteoblast cells, together with an in vitro apaptitic formation substantiated the cytocompatibility and bioactivity of the mesoporous TiO2 films. Such combined bioactive and drug-releasing functions of the TiO2 films with worm-like mesoporosity ensure an improved therapeutic performance for potential applications included orthopedics, dentistry, and drug delivery.

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► TiO2 ultrathin film has worm-like mesostructure.
► The TiO2 film as surface modification candidate for the biofunctionality of implants.
► Ibuprofen and vancomycin as two model drugs for controlled release investigation from the TiO2 film.
► The TiO2 film exhibits cytocompatibility and bioactivity using osteoblast adhesion test and apatitic formation.