Ultra-thin layers of phosphorylated cellulose derivatives on metal surfaces

Cellulose as natural and non-toxic material is very interesting for biological applications. Its poor solubility in organic solvents can be improved by introduction of long alkyl chains. Phosphate-substituted cellulose derivatives form ultra-thin layers on several metal surfaces [1, 2]. The layers were applied on the surfaces via dip coating from dilute solutions and characterised by contact angle measurements. Initial corrosion tests were performed. These polymers were applied as adhesion promoters for steel-, titanium- and hydroxy apatite surfaces. Medical implants were pre-treated by UV irradiation, coated with the cellulose derivatives and activated by hot water treatment. The adhesion of the implants surpassed that of conventionally used PMMA systems.