Physicochemical characteristics of chitosan-TiO2 biomaterial. 2. Wettability and biocompatibility.

The study aimed to determine the chemical nature, energy state, and topography of chitosan and/or TiO 2 thin layers, which were transferred from different aqueous solutions or dispersions onto a solid support (mica) by a dip-coating method using the Langmuir-Blodgett trough. The surface topography was analysed using an optical profilometer. The performed wettability measurements were used to estimate changes in the total surface free energy based on the theoretical mathematical Lifshitz-van der Waals-Acid-Base model. In addition, the Langmuir technique was employed to determine the effect of Ch-TiO 2 and/or hyaluronic acid (HA) on the model membrane properties in aspect of biocompatibility. The prepared materials can be classified as high-energy, hydrophilic, with roughness in the nanometric scale. Physicochemical parameters have a significant impact on the processes that take place in the surface layer of the biomaterial being in contact with the biological environment. [Display omitted] • Biocompatible chitosan-TiO 2 coating with nano-scale irregularities was obtained on mica. • Surface properties of novel material (Ch-HA-TiO 2) were characterized. • Relationship between wettability and surface microstructure was shown. • Hybrid biomaterial exhibited the high surface free energy. • Presence of the hyaluronic acid increased the biocompatibility of Ch-TiO 2 combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]