Investigation of Hemocompatibility, Antioxidant Activity, and Functional Group Properties in Hafnium Oxide Nanoparticle-Coated Titanium Discs

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the widespread use of titanium alloys, there are many reports indicating their disadvantages including postoperative complications, distortion of post-operative metallic screws and inflammatory reactions. Challenges related to long-term success, such as peri-implantitis and oxidative stress, continue to spur research into improving implant surfaces. The investigation of Hafnium (IV) oxide (HfO₂)layer can be utilized as a surface enhancement for the gold standard titanium alloy dental implants. Its use in biomedical applications is relatively new, but early studies suggest that HfO₂ may enhance cell proliferation and offer protection against oxidative stress. This makes it an attractive material for coating implants, where it could potentially improve outcomes by reducing inflammatory responses and promoting tissue integration.

Objectives: The objective of the research was to investigate hemocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and functional group properties in hafnium oxide nanoparticle-coated titanium discs.

Methods: The research was conducted using titanium discs 15mm diameter, 2mm thickness and gross weight 0.2kg. Two groups were designed: Test- hafnium oxide nanoparticles coated titanium discs (Hf coated Ti) and Control- uncoated titanium discs (uncoated Ti). After titanium discs were treated, 200mg hafnium oxide nanoparticle powder was used and electrolytic deposition was carried out. The hafnium oxide coated discs were subjected to hemocompatibility assay, antioxidant property testing using DPPH assay and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) . The comparative results of both groups were recorded for graphical interpretation.

Results: The results of this research indicate that hafnium oxide nanoparticles coated titanium discs had acceptable hemolytic activity (4.2%). The antioxidant activity test showed that the hafnium oxide nanoparticles coated titanium discs had a higher value of optical density at 517 nm (OD = 0.03) than the pure titanium discs which suggests comparatively better antioxidant behavior. The results of FT-IR spectroscopy showed the hafnium oxide nanoparticles coated titanium discs had lesser peak values of transmittance at varied wavelengths which signifies a good bonding of functional groups.

Conclusions: The current research concluded that titanium discs coated with hafnium oxide nanoparticles had acceptable hemolytic activity, comparatively better antioxidant behavior and lesser peak values of transmittance at varied wavelengths which signifies a good bonding of functional groups.