In vitro evaluation of osteoblast adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on chitosan-TiO2 nanotubes scaffolds with Ca2+ ions

Application of Bioactive Materials for Osteogenic Function in Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone tissue defects present a major challenge in orthopedic surgery. Bone tissue engineering using multiple versatile bioactive materials is a potential strategy for bone-defect repair and regeneration. Due to their unique physicochemical and mechanical properties, biofunctional materials can enhance cellular adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, thereby supporting and stimulating the formation of new bone tissue. 3D bioprinting and physical stimuli-responsive strategies have been employed in various studies on bone regeneration for the fabrication of desired multifunctional biomaterials with integrated bone tissue repair and regeneration properties. In this review, biomaterials applied to bone tissue engineering, emerging 3D bioprinting techniques, and physical stimuli-responsive strategies for the rational manufacturing of novel biomaterials with bone therapeutic and regenerative functions are summarized. Furthermore, the impact of biomaterials on the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and the potential pathways associated with biomaterial-induced osteogenesis are discussed.

Enhancing the correlation between in vitro and in vivo experiments in dental implant osseointegration: investigating the role of Ca ions

This study delves into the osteogenic potential of a calcium-ion modified titanium implant surface, unicCa, employing state-of-the-art proteomics techniques both in vitro (utilizing osteoblasts and macrophage cell cultures) and in vivo (in a rabbit condyle model). When human osteoblasts (Hobs) were cultured on unicCa surfaces, they displayed a marked improvement in cell adhesion and differentiation compared to their unmodified counterparts. The proteomic analysis also revealed enrichment in functions associated with cell migration, adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and proliferation. The analysis also underscored the involvement of key signalling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and mTOR. In the presence of macrophages, unicCa initially exhibited improvement in immune-related functions and calcium channel activities at the outset (1 day), gradually tapering off over time (3 days). Following a 5-day implantation in rabbits, unicCa demonstrated distinctive protein expression profiles compared to unmodified surfaces. The proteomic analysis highlighted shifts in adhesion, immune response, and bone healing-related proteins. unicCa appeared to influence the coagulation cascade and immune regulatory proteins within the implant site. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the unicCa surface, drawing correlations between in vitro and in vivo results. It emphasizes the considerable potential of unicCa surfaces in enhancing osteogenic behavior and immunomodulation. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms governing the interplay between biomaterials and bone cells, thereby facilitating the development of improved implant surfaces for applications in bone tissue engineering.

Enhanced Release of Calcium Ions from Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles with an Increase in Their Specific Surface Area

Synthetic calcium phosphates, e.g., hydroxyapatite (HAP) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), are the most commonly used bone-graft materials due to their high chemical similarity to the natural hydroxyapatite-the inorganic component of bones. Calcium in the form of a free ion or bound complexes plays a key role in many biological functions, including bone regeneration. This paper explores the possibility of increasing the Ca2+-ion release from HAP nanoparticles (NPs) by reducing their size. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were obtained through microwave hydrothermal synthesis. Particles with a specific surface area ranging from 51 m2/g to 240 m2/g and with sizes of 39, 29, 19, 11, 10, and 9 nm were used in the experiment. The structure of the nanomaterial was also studied by means of helium pycnometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission-electron microscopy (TEM). The calcium-ion release into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was studied. The highest release of Ca2+ ions, i.e., 18 mg/L, was observed in HAP with a specific surface area 240 m2/g and an average nanoparticle size of 9 nm. A significant increase in Ca2+-ion release was also observed with specific surface areas of 183 m2/g and above, and with nanoparticle sizes of 11 nm and below. No substantial size dependence was observed for the larger particle sizes.

Advanced Bioactive Glasses: The Newest Achievements and Breakthroughs in the Area

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are especially useful materials in soft and bone tissue engineering and even in dentistry. They can be the solution to many medical problems, and they have a huge role in the healing processes of bone fractures. Interestingly, they can also promote skin regeneration and wound healing. Bioactive glasses are able to attach to the bone tissues and form an apatite layer which further initiates the biomineralization process. The formed intermediate apatite layer makes a connection between the hard tissue and the bioactive glass material which results in faster healing without any complications or side effects. This review paper summarizes the most recent advancement in the preparation of diverse types of BGs, such as silicate-, borate- and phosphate-based bioactive glasses. We discuss their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties detailing how they affect their biological performances. In order to get a deeper insight into the state-of-the-art in this area, we also consider their medical applications, such as bone regeneration, wound care, and dental/bone implant coatings.

β-TCP/S53P4 Scaffolds Obtained by Gel Casting: Synthesis, Properties, and Biomedical Applications

The objective of this study was to investigate the osteogenic and antimicrobial effect of bioactive glass S53P4 incorporated into β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds in vitro and the bone neoformation in vivo. β-TCP and β-TCP/S53P4 scaffolds were prepared by the gel casting method. Samples were morphologically and physically characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vitro tests were performed using MG63 cells. American Type Culture Collection reference strains were used to determine the scaffold's antimicrobial potential. Defects were created in the tibia of New Zealand rabbits and filled with experimental scaffolds. The incorporation of S53P4 bioglass promotes significant changes in the crystalline phases formed and in the morphology of the surface of the scaffolds. The β-TCP/S53P4 scaffolds did not demonstrate an in vitro cytotoxic effect, presented similar alkaline phosphatase activity, and induced a significantly higher protein amount when compared to β-TCP. The expression of Itg β1 in the β-TCP scaffold was higher than in the β-TCP/S53P4, and there was higher expression of Col-1 in the β-TCP/S53P4 group. Higher bone formation and antimicrobial activity were observed in the β-TCP/S53P4 group. The results confirm the osteogenic capacity of β-TCP ceramics and suggest that, after bioactive glass S53P4 incorporation, it can prevent microbial infections, demonstrating to be an excellent biomaterial for application in bone tissue engineering.

Synthesis of Submicrometric Chitosan Particles Loaded with Calcium Phosphate for Biomedical Applications

Chitosan particles loaded with dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) is a promising strategy for combining antimicrobial and osteoconduction properties in regenerative medicine. However, mostly micrometer-sized particles have been reported in the literature, limiting their use and reducing their effect in the biomedical field. We have recently overcome this limitation by developing submicrometer-sized particles with electrospray technique. The objective of this study was to understand how the process parameters control the size and properties of submicrometer chitosan particles loaded with DCPA. Solutions of 10 mg/mL chitosan and 2.5 mg/mL DCPA in a 90% acetic acid were electrosprayed under three distinct flow rate conditions: 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mL/h. The particles were crosslinked in a glutaraldehyde atmosphere and characterized in terms of their morphology, inorganic content, zeta potential, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against S. mutans. All conditions showed particles with two similar morphologies: one small-sized with a spherical shape and another larger-sized with a bi-concave shape. All generated a broad particle size distribution, with a similar mean size of ~ 235 nm. The addition of DCPA decreased the zeta potential for all the samples, but it was above 30 mV, indicating a low aggregation potential. The lower flow rate showed the worst efficacy for DCPA incorporation. Antimicrobial activity was greater in chitosan/DCPA particles with flow rate of 0.5 mL/h. It can be concluded that the flow rate of 0.5 mL/h presents the best compromise solution in terms of morphology, zeta potential, MIC, and inorganic content.

Chitosan in association with osteogenic factors as a cell-homing platform for dentin regeneration: Analysis in a pulp-in-a-chip model

OBJECTIVE

In this paper we propose the association of β-glycerophosphate (βGP) and calcium-hydroxide with chitosan (CH) to formulate a porous bioactive scaffold suitable as a cell-homing platform for dentin regeneration.

METHODS

Calcium hydroxide and βGP solutions were incorporated into chitosan to modulate scaffold architecture and composition by a phase separation technique. Architecture, chemical composition, and degradability were evaluated, and biological characterizations were performed by the seeding of dental pulp cells (DPCs) onto scaffolds, or by cultivating them in contact with leachable components (extracts), to determine cytocompatibility and odontoblastic differentiation. Cell-free scaffolds were then positioned in intimate contact with a 3D culture of DPCs in a pulp-in-a-chip platform under simulated pulp pressure. Cell mobilization and odontoblastic marker expression were evaluated. Deposition of mineralized matrix was assessed in direct contact with dentin, in the absence of osteogenic factors.

RESULTS

Incorporation of calcium hydroxide and βGP generated a stable porous chitosan scaffold containing Ca-P nanoglobule topography (CH-Ca-βGP), which favored cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralized matrix deposition by cells seeded onto the scaffold structure and at a distance. The pulp-in-a-chip assay denoted its chemotactic and bioactive potential, since dentin sialoprotein-positive DPCs from 3D culture adhered to CH-Ca-βGP more than to plain chitosan. The higher deposition of mineralized matrix onto the scaffold and surrounding dentin was also observed.

SIGNIFICANCE

A CH-Ca-βGP scaffold creates a microenvironment capable of mobilizing DPC migration toward its structure, harnessing the odontogenic potential and culminating in the expression of a highly mineralizing phenotype, key factors for a cell-homing strategy.

Osteogenic Capability of Vaterite-Coated Nonwoven Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for In Vivo Bone Tissue Regeneration

In current orthopedic practice, bone implants used to-date often exhibit poor osteointegration, impaired osteogenesis, and, eventually, implant failure. Actively pursued strategies for tissue engineering could overcome these shortcomings by developing new hybrid materials with bioinspired structure and enhanced regenerative potential. In this study, the osteogenic and therapeutic potential of bioactive vaterite is investigated as a functional component of a fibrous polymeric scaffold for bone regeneration. Hybrid two-layered polycaprolactone scaffolds coated with vaterite (PCL/CaCO₃ ) are studied during their 28-days implantation period in a rat femur defect. After this period, the study of tissue formation in the defected area is performed by the histological study of femur cross-sections. Immobilization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) into PCL/CaCO₃ scaffolds accelerates new bone tissue formation and defect repair. PCL/CaCO₃ and PCL/CaCO₃ /ALP scaffolds reveal 37.3% and 62.9% areas, respectively, filled with newly formed bone tissue in cross-sections compared to unmineralized PCL scaffold (17.5%). Bone turnover markers are monitored on the 7th and 28th days after implantation and reveal an increase of osteocalcin level for both PCL/CaCO₃ and PCL/CaCO₃ /ALP compared with PCL indicating the activation of osteogenesis. These findings indicate that vaterite, as an osteoconductive component of polymeric scaffolds, promotes osteogenesis, supports angiogenesis, and facilitates bone defect repair.

Functionalized Mesoporous Thin Films for Biotechnology

Mesoporous materials bear great potential for biotechnological applications due to their biocompatibility and versatility. Their high surface area and pore interconnection allow the immobilization of molecules and their subsequent controlled delivery. Modifications of the mesoporous material with the addition of different chemical species, make them particularly suitable for the production of bioactive coatings. Functionalized thin films of mesoporous silica and titania can be used as scaffolds with properties as diverse as promotion of cell growth, inhibition of biofilms formation, or development of sensors based on immobilized enzymes. The possibility to pattern them increase their appeal as they can be incorporated into devices and can be tailored both with respect to architecture and functionalization. In fact, selective surface manipulation is the ground for the fabrication of advanced micro devices that combine standard micro/nanofluids with functional materials. In this review, we will present the advantages of the functionalization of silica and titania mesoporous materials deposited in thin film. Different functional groups used to modify their properties will be summarized, as well as functionalization methods and some examples of applications of modified materials, thus giving an overview of the essential role of functionalization to improve the performance of such innovative materials.

Advancing of titanium medical implants by surface engineering: recent progress and challenges

Introduction:Titanium (Ti) and their alloys are used as main implant materials in orthopedics and dentistry for decades having superior mechanical properties, chemical stability and biocompatibility. Their rejections due lack of biointegration and bacterial infection are concerning with considerable healthcare costs and impacts on patients. To address these limitations, conventional Ti implants need improvements where the use of surface nanoengineering approaches and the development of a new generation of implants are recognized as promising strategies.Areas covered:This review presents an overview of recent progress on the application of surface engineering methods to advance Ti implants enable to address their key limitations. Several promising surface engineering strategies are presented and critically discussed to generate advanced surface properties and nano-topographies (tubular, porous, pillars) able not only to improve their biointegration, antibacterial performances, but also to provide multiple functions such as drug delivery, therapy, sensing, communication and health monitoring underpinning the development of new generation and smart medical implants.Expert opinion:Recent advances in cell biology, materials science, nanotechnology and additive manufacturing has progressively influencing improvements of conventional Ti implants toward the development of the next generation of implants with improved performances and multifunctionality. Current research and development are in early stage, but progressing with promising results and examples of moving into in-vivo studies an translation into real applications.

Strategies for Bone Regeneration: From Graft to Tissue Engineering

Bone is a regenerative organ characterized by self-renewal ability. Indeed, it is a very dynamic tissue subjected to continuous remodeling in order to preserve its structure and function. However, in clinical practice, impaired bone healing can be observed in patients and medical intervention is needed to regenerate the tissue via the use of natural bone grafts or synthetic bone grafts. The main elements required for tissue engineering include cells, growth factors and a scaffold material to support them. Three different materials (metals, ceramics, and polymers) can be used to create a scaffold suitable for bone regeneration. Several cell types have been investigated in combination with biomaterials. In this review, we describe the options available for bone regeneration, focusing on tissue engineering strategies based on the use of different biomaterials combined with cells and growth factors.

Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation of Chitosan-Graphene Oxide Scaffolds on Osteoblastic Adhesion, Proliferation, and Early Differentiation

An ideal scaffold should be biocompatible, having appropriate microstructure, excellent mechanical strength yet degrades. Chitosan exhibits most of these exceptional properties, but it is always associated with sub-optimal cytocompatibility. This study aimed to incorporate graphene oxide at wt % of 0, 2, 4, and 6 into chitosan matrix via direct blending of chitosan solution and graphene oxide, freezing, and freeze drying. Cell fixation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, alkaline phosphatase colorimetric assays were conducted to assess cell adhesion, proliferation, and early differentiation of MG63 on chitosan–graphene oxide scaffolds respectively. The presence of alkaline phosphatase, an early osteoblast differentiation marker, was further detected in chitosan–graphene oxide scaffolds using western blot. These results strongly supported that chitosan scaffolds loaded with graphene oxide at 2 wt % mediated cell adhesion, proliferation, and early differentiation due to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups of graphene oxide. Therefore, chitosan scaffolds loaded with graphene oxide at 2 wt % showed the potential to be developed into functional bone scaffolds.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts on CaTiO3 nanotube film

Improved implant-bone interface interaction for rapid formation of strong and long-lasting bond is significantly important in orthopedic clinics. Herein, Ca-doped TiO₂ nanotube film (M-CaNTs) with enhanced adhesion strength was fabricated on titanium (Ti) surface by an anodization-hydrothermal treatment. Results showed that TiO₂ nanotube film (M-NTs) fabricated by modified anodization was amorphous, exhibiting 100-nm diameter and 12-nm tube wall thickness. After hydrothermal treatment, the nanotubular structure of M-CaNTs kept integrated, but was volume-expanded, exhibiting a decreased diameter (∼ 60 nm) and an increased wall thickness (∼ 30 nm). The formation of M-CaNTs proceeded preferentially at the interior surfaces of the closely aligned nanotubes, involving an in situ dissolution-recrystallization process. Though the adhesion strength of M-CaNTs was weakened by the volume-expansion derived internal stress, it was still higher than that of the traditionally obtained one. In the in vitro investigations, the combination of nanotubular structure and Ca²⁺ could expectedly enhance the attachment, spreading and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, as well as promote the expressions of bone-specific genes, intracellular proteins and ALP activity, which in turn accelerated collagen secretion and ECM mineralization. This work provides an attractive potential for the surface modification of Ti-based implants in clinical application.

Dynamic Titania Nanotube Surface Achieves UV-Triggered Charge Reversal and Enhances Cell Differentiation

Stimuli-responsive biomaterials supply a promising solution to adapt to the complex physiological environment for different biomedical applications. In this study, a dynamic UV-triggered pH-responsive biosurface was constructed on titania nanotubes (TNTs) by loading photoacid generators, diphenyliodonium chloride, into the nanotubes, and grafting 2,3-dimethyl maleic anhydride (DMMA)-modified hyperbranched poly(l-lysine) (HBPLL) onto the surface. The local acidity was dramatically enhanced by UV irradiation for only 30 s, leading to the dissociation of DMMA and thereby the transformation of surface chemistry from negatively charged caboxyl groups to positively charged amino groups. The TNTs-HBPLL-DMMA substrate could better promote proliferation and spreading of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) after UV irradiation. The osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs was enhanced because of the charge reversal in combination with the titania-based substrates.

The relative effects of Ca and Mg ions on MSC osteogenesis in the surface modification of microrough Ti implants

Purpose

Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions have been used as promising bioactive ions in the surface chemistry modification of titanium (Ti) bone implants to increase bone regeneration capacity. However, it is not clear which (Ca or Mg) plays the more important role in the early osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) when applied to the surface of commercially available microstructured Ti implants. This study investigated the relative effect of these two ions on the early osteogenic functionality of primary mouse bone marrow MSCs in order to obtain insights into the surface design of Ti implants with enhanced early osteogenic capacity.

Methods and results

Wet chemical treatment was performed to modify a microrough Ti implant surface using Ca or Mg ions. Both the Ca and Mg-incorporated surfaces accelerated early cellular events and the subsequent osteogenic differentiation of MSCs compared with an unmodified microrough Ti surface. Surface Mg modification exhibited a more potent osteoblast differentiation-promoting effect than the Ca modification. Surface Mg incorporation markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of β-catenin.

Conclusion

These results indicate that alteration of the surface chemistry of microstructured Ti implants by wet chemical treatment with Mg ions exerts a more effect on promoting the early osteogenic differentiation of MSCs than Ca ions by enhancing early cellular functions, including focal adhesion development and stabilization of intracellular β-catenin.

[Effects of calcium ion on the migration and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of calcium ion (Ca²⁺) on the migration and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblasts and explore the proper concentration and correlation mechanism.

METHODS

A series of Ca²⁺ solutions with different concentrations was prepared. Osteoblast migration was assessed by Transwell assay, and proliferation was studied via the CCK-8 colorimetric assay. The mRNA expression of osteogenic genes was examined via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the mineralized nodule was examined by alizarin red-S method. After calcium sensitive receptor (CaSR) antagonism, Ca²⁺-induced migration and osteogenic differentiation were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the migration experiment, 2, 4, and 6 mmol·L⁻¹ Ca²⁺ could promoted osteoblast migration at three timepoints (8, 16, and 24 h), whereas 10 mmol·L⁻¹ Ca²⁺ considerably inhibited migration at 8 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration range of 2-10 mmol·L⁻¹ could promote proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of human osteoblasts. Moreover, mineralization was predominantly induced by 8 and 10 mmol·L⁻¹ Ca²⁺. CaSR antagonism could reduce Ca²⁺-induced migration and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Low Ca²⁺ concentration favored osteoblast migration, whereas high Ca²⁺ concentration favored osteogenic differentiation. The Ca²⁺ concentrations of 4 and 6 mmol·L⁻¹ could substantially induce osteoblast migration and osteogenic differentiation, and the Ca²⁺-CaSR pathway participated in signal transduction.

Engineered titanium implants for localized drug delivery: recent advances and perspectives of Titania nanotubes arrays

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutics delivery to bones to treat skeletal diseases or prevent postsurgical infections is challenging due to complex and solid bone structure that limits blood supply and diffusion of therapeutics administered by systemic routes to reach effective concentration. Titanium (Ti) and their alloys are employed as mainstream implant materials in orthopedics and dentistry; having superior mechanical/biocompatibility properties which could provide an alternative solution to address this problem.

AREAS COVERED

This review presents an overview of recent development of Ti drug-releasing implants, with emphasis on nanoengineered Titania nanotubes (TNTs) structures, for solving key problems to improve implants osseointegration, overcome inflammation and infection together with providing localized drug delivery (LDD) for bone diseases including cancer. Critical analysis of the advantages/disadvantages of developed concepts is discussed, their drug loading/releasing performances and specific applications.

EXPERT OPINION

LDD to bones can address many disorders and postsurgical conditions such as inflammation, implants rejection and infection. To this end, TNTs-Ti implants represent a potential promise for the development of new generation of multifunctional implants with drug release functions. Even this concept is extensively explored recently, there is a strong need for more preclinical studies using animal models to confirm the long-term safety and stability of TNTs-Ti implants for real-life medical applications.

The Influence of Mg2+ Ions on the In Vitro Efficacy of Chitosan-Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes (CTNTs) Scaffolds

Low mechanical strength and lack of osteoconductive cues are problems associated with chitosan-based scaffolds. This research aimed to fabricate reinforced chitosan-titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (CTNTs) scaffolds attributed to the enhanced biocompatibility and physical properties of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs). The incorporation of hydrothermally synthesized TNTs at weight percent of 16 into chitosan was achieved via direct blending and lyophilization. CTNTs scaffolds were further subjected to 24-h adsorption in MgCl2 solutions of 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2.5 mM, and 5 mM at physiological pH. The adsorption affinity of CTNTs towards Mg2+ ions was high and mainly attributed to the macroporosity of scaffolds and nanocavities of TNTs. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of CTNTs for Mg2+ ions was 8.8 mg/g scaffolds. Its adsorption isotherm fitted well with Langmuir isotherm by showing R2 of 0.9995. Fluorescence-based staining, cell viability, and alkaline phosphatase assays indicated that the adsorbed Mg2+ ions onto CTNTs scaffolds aided in promoting higher proliferation and early differentiation of MG63 cells than scaffolds without Mg2+ ions in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on current results, CTNTs scaffolds with Mg2+ ions may be a potential biomaterial for bone regeneration.

Regulation of osteoblast differentiation by osteocytes cultured on sclerostin antibody conjugated TiO2 nanotube array

Sclerostin is a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway for osteoblast differentiation. In this study, osteoblasts were co-cultured with osteocytes (MLO-Y₄ cells) on the surface of sclerostin antibody-conjugated TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNTs-scl). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) were employed to characterize the conjugation of sclerostin antibody onto the surface of TiO₂ nanotube arrays. The cellular viability and morphology results displayed TNTs-scl (TNT30-scl and TNT70-scl) were beneficial to the growth of MLO-Y4 cells. There was no apparent change in sclerostin gene expression between MLO-Y4 cells grown on TNTs and TNTs-scl. However, TNTs-scl significantly reduced the amount of sclerostin in the medium. In comparison with the control groups, osteoblasts displayed higher differentiation capability when co-cultured with MLO-Y4 cells on the surface TNTs-scl, which was indicated by the ALP activity, mineralization capability as well as expression levels of key proteins in Wnt signaling. This study provides a simple strategy to engineer titanium surface for bone fracture recovery, especially in osteoporotic conditions.

Fabrication of chitosan/Au-TiO2 nanotube-based dry electrodes for electroencephalography recording

In this paper, we describe a method for fabricating dry electrodes for use in recording electroencephalograms (EEGs), which are based on the use of chitosan (Ch), gold (Au) particles, and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotube arrays deposited on titanium (Ti) thin sheets. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and EEG signal collection. The TiO₂ nanotube arrays were grown on the Ti thin sheet by an electrochemical anodic oxidation method. The Au particles were deposited on the bottom and surface layers of the TiO₂ nanotube array using an electrochemistry-based multi-potential step technology. The fabricated dry Ch/Au-TiO₂ electrodes have an efficient conversion interface for ion current/electron current, a high biocompatible contact surface, and a fast electron transfer channel. To confirm that the Ch/Au-TiO₂ layer can be used in dry EEG electrodes, the impedance spectra of the electrodes in solution and skin were analyzed. The mean impedance values for skin were found to be approximately 169±33.0kΩ at 2.15Hz and 67.4±8.9kΩ at 100Hz. In addition, EEG signals from the forehead and sites with hair were collected using both the dry Ch/Au-TiO₂ electrode and a wet Ag/AgCl electrode for comparison purposes. It was found that high quality EEG signal recordings could be obtained using the dry electrodes. The fact that electrolytes are not required means that the electrodes are suitable for use in long-term bio-potential testing.