Crystalline Zeolite Layers on the Surface of Titanium Alloys in Biomedical Applications: Current Knowledge and Possible Directions of Development

Abstract

In this review, the main focus was on the use of zeolites as layers to modify the surface of titanium implants. The article discusses the basic methods for modifying the functional properties of zeolites (e.g., ion exchange) as well as biomedical applications of zeolites (e.g., drug delivery systems and biosensors). The article reviews the surface modifications of titanium alloys prepared so far with the use of various types of zeolites and selected examples are presented. This review shows the significant impact of titanium surface modification with zeolites, as well as their post-synthetic modification on implant properties, for instance, better biocompatibility, faster osseointegration, better cell adhesion, and corrosion resistance properties. The results of the research presented so far in this review show that the modification of titanium with zeolite layers is a very prospective subject, but underdeveloped, as evidenced by a small number of studies on this subject. We have shown that the prepared layers can be continuously improved and used, e.g., as local delivery systems for various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). We hope that the prepared review will help research groups around the world in the preparation of implants modified with zeolites with even better properties and utility applications.