Medical Implant Applications of Mesoporous Silica Films

Abstract: A literature review of medical implant applications of mesoporous silica films was written, highlighting the advantages and limitations of different film synthesis methods. Both films synthesized through the EISA sol-gel method and particulate films, including those synthesized through the direct growth method, were reviewed and discussed. All films were found to have their strengths and weaknesses, however, the films synthesized through the direct growth method was found to be the most promising type for coating implants. In addition to the literature review, copper-doped mesoporous silica films were synthesized on titanium grade 2 substrates. SEM shows that particles grown on all the films and EDX elemental analysis confirms the presence of copper in the material. Nitrogen physisorption measurements show that particles with incorporated copper have a higher specific surface area, and pore volume compared to un-doped particles. No copper content could be confirmed through FTIR. The particles grown on titanium substrates were more rod-like compared to the ones grown on the silicon substrates as control.