Characterization of Ti-Cu Films Deposited by HPPMS and Effect on NO Catalytic Release and Platelet Adhesion Behavior

Ti-Cu films with different Cu concentrations were fabricated by high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS) to release copper ions and catalyze NO to improve the blood compatibility. The Cu concentrations of films were 25.7at% and 68.8at%. Pure Ti films were also fabricated. Copper release, catalytic release of nitric oxide (NO), and blood platelet adhesion of Ti-Cu films were studied. Ti-Cu films released copper ions in PBS solution and more Cu ions were released from films with 68.8at% Cu. Ti-Cu films had excellent ability of catalytical decomposition of exogenous donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP) and as a result, nitric oxide (NO) was generated. The NO generation catalyzed by Ti-Cu films was significantly higher than that by pure Ti films. This was more eminent in the Ti-Cu films with 68.8 at% Cu. The platelet adhesion and activation of Ti-Cu films were significantly inhibited compared to that of pure Ti films in the presence of SNAP. The Ti-Cu film fabricated by HPPMS showed the ability of releasing Cu ions to catalyze SNAP to generate NO to inhibit platelet adhesion and activation.