Surface modifications of the titanium mesh for cranioplasty using selenium nanoparticles coating

The aim of this study was to made and characterized a nanostructured surface on titanium mesh for cranioplasty, by adhesion of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in situ, in a hydrothermal reaction. The structural characterization of selenium nanoparticles was performed using DLS and TEM, revealing that the size and morphology of nanoparticles depends on the nature of saccharide reducing agent. In situ hydrothermal reaction revealed that selenium nanoparticles adherence on titanium mesh surface had the best result in the case of starch-derived SeNPs, as demonstrated by SEM/EDX analysis. In vitro hemolysis and RBC osmotic fragility tests suggest that nanostructured surface created upon SeNPs adhesion doesn't induce damage to RBC membrane; the hemolysis values indicated a good biocompatibility especially in the case of titanium specimens modified with starch-derived SeNPs. Moreover, the nanostructured surface clearly offers the desired biological response of human fibroblasts cells. The proposed improvement of the surfaces in the case of titanium mesh for cranioplasty may offer important benefits in terms of osteointegration, without using additional screws for fixation and closure procedure.