Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs): Which Perspectives in Implant Dentistry?

Self-assembled monolayers (SA.Ms) are ordered organic films formed by adsorption of an active organic coating on a so/id surface. Their formation provides an alternative. highly innovative, to current traditional chemical treatments of the titanium surfaces. Far this reason the structural phases, the formation and the growth of SAMs is describedfrom a surface science point of view. Particulars are given to SAJ!/s on titanium concerning surface morphology, chemical composition and affìnity of specifìc head group far Ti surfaces (silanes, siloxane, phosphonates and phosphates). Preparation, coating methodologies, limitations and techniques used far the characteri=ation of SAMs are reported. For their physicochemical characteristics and micro-nano scale features some perspectives of using SAMs in biomedi­ ca! application are outlined.