Modulation of cell adhesion by modification of titanium surfaces with covalently attached self-assembled monolayers.

The surface of titanium has been modified by covalent attachment of an organic monolayer anchored by a siloxane network. This coating completely covers the metal and allows controlled modification of surface properties by the exposed chemical endgroups of the monolayer forming surfactant. The attachment of such a film allows different bulk materials (e.g., glass and titanium) to have identical surface properties and this can be used in regulating cell adhesion responses. This control over surface functionality can modulate the functions of fibronectin in regulating attachment and neurite formation by neuronal cells. The effect on bacterial adherence that is achieved by using such monolayers to vary surface hydrophilicity is also assessed.