The Effect of Graphene Oxide Deposited on Titanium Surface on Structural, Corrosion, and Biological Properties

The article presents the results of structural, corrosion, microbiological, biological, and genotoxicity studies on the effect of graphene oxide deposited on a flat titanium foil surface, intended for use, in general, implantology and other medical applications. The methodology of graphene oxide (GO) deposition involved a surface cleaning process combined with RF plasma activation, followed by the application of a thin layer of dispersed aqueous GO suspension using a spin coater. The graphene oxide layer was uniformly deposited on the surface, which was confirmed by SEM imaging. Corrosion studies were carried out in an electrochemical cell filled with a buffered solution prepared to mimic the composition of physiological intracellular fluids. It was demonstrated that the deposition of graphene oxide on the titanium surface limited the access of electrolyte and oxygen. Surface activation and deposition of the aqueous graphene oxide suspension contributed to improved adhesion, condition, growth, and proliferation of fibroblast cell lines Hs 895.T and Hs 895.Sk. The inhibition zone analysis revealed a bacteriostatic effect against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. Moreover, no genotoxicity changes were observed.