Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has many applications in medicine, biomedical systems, and engineering. However, its poor surface and mechanical properties limit its applications and there is a desire to improve those properties to widen the applications of this polymer. Titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) and zirconium(IV) oxide (ZrO2), on the other hand, are well-known materials for their biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, antimicrobial activity, and excellent mechanical properties. This study aims to functionalize PMMA to protect its surface upon different challenges and reduce microbial attachemnt and biofilm formation. Hence, low-temperature Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) was used to deposit TiO2, ZrO2, and TiO2/ZrO2 mixed oxides nanofilms on PMMA substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to examine surface composition and calculate Ti:Zr ratios in mixed oxides. The coatings increased wettability and slightly enhanced nanohardness of PMMA. Surface roughness of PMMA did not change significantly after ALD, confirming conformal deposition. The coatings protected the surface of PMMA from thermal and brushing challenges by maintaining wettability, surface roughness, and film integrity. In addition, compared to control, the mixed oxides with 1:2 cycle ratio of TiO2:ZrO2 showed a significant reduction on all bacterial and fungal initial adhesion and biofilm formation, while the TiO2 film provided reduction at initial fungal adhesion. Thus, TiO2/ZrO2 ALD on PMMA could enhance its surface, mechanical, and biological properties, preparing it for biomedical and engineering applications.

Atomic layer deposition of TiO2 and ZrO2 as single and mixed oxides on PMMA for enhanced biomaterial functionalization

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.