Surface Wettability of Sandblasted Ti-alloy Discs: Ultraviolet (UV) Irradiation Effects Following Ethanol and Autoclave Pre-treatments

초록

Surface hydrophilicity of dental implants plays a pivotal role in promoting protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and ultimately osseointegration. Various surface treatments, such as sandblasting and SLA (sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched), have been widely adopted to enhance hydrophilicity and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has recently been applied for improved hydrophilicity. However, some studies have recently reported inconsistent hydrophilic outcomes following UV treatment. So, this study evaluated the surface wettability of Ti-alloy discs subjected to UV irradiation under different pre-treatment conditions. Sandblasted Ti-alloy discs were prepared and analyzed for surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical reflection techniques (machined and sandblasted). After surface sanitization with 70% ethanol and autoclaving of the sandblasted samples, they were exposed to UV light for 24 h and water contact angles were measured to investigate hydrophilicity. UV-treated groups exhibited increased hydrophobicity compared to untreated sandblasted controls. The group treated with 70% ethanol followed by UV exposure showed significantly higher water contact angles, indicating pronounced hydrophobicity. Even autoclaved samples displayed limited hydrophilicity, far from the level of hydrophilicity. These results suggested that airborne hydrocarbons and moisture-derived compounds, activated by UV light, rapidly adsorb onto rough Ti-alloy surfaces, reversing the intended hydrophilic effect. Pre-treatment conditions and post-UV irradiation were limited to achieve enhanced hydrophilicity based on the laboratory or general clinic environment. Therefore, effective packaging and surface protection protocols would be essentially required to prevent hydrocarbon contamination and ensure the stable formation of hydrophilic implant surfaces for clinical applications.

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