Corrosion Behavior of Titanium in Simulated Body Solutions with the Addition of Biomolecules

ACS Omega. 2020 May 29;5(22):12768-12776. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00390. eCollection 2020 Jun 9.

Abstract

Titanium is one of the most used biomaterials for different applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of adenine, thymine, and l-histidine as important biomolecules in the human body on the corrosion behavior of titanium in simulated body solutions. Open circuit measurements, potentiodynamic measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, and quantum chemical calculations were employed during the investigation. All electrochemical methods used revealed that the investigated biomolecules provide better corrosion resistance to titanium in artificial body solutions. The increase in corrosion resistance is a result of the formation of a stable protective film on the metal surface. Also, quantum chemical calculations are in compliance with electrochemical test results and indicate that adenine, thymine, and l-histidine may act as corrosion inhibitors in the investigated solutions.