Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry: techniques and applications for the characterization of biomaterial surfaces

Citation

Belu, Anna M.; Graham, Daniel J.; & Castner, David G. (2003). Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry: techniques and applications for the characterization of biomaterial surfaces. Biomaterials, 24(21), 3635-3653.

Abstract

The surface of a biomaterial plays a critical role in the success of an implant. Much effort is currently being focused on controlling the chemistry at biomaterial surfaces to ensure favorable results in vivo. The successful tailoring of the surface chemistry will require a detailed surface characterization to verify that the desired changes have been made. This will include the ability to determine the composition, structure, orientation, and spatial distribution, of the molecules and chemical structures on the surface. TOF-SIMS is a powerful surface characterization technique that is able to address these requirements through both spectral analysis and direct chemical state imaging. The flexibility of the TOF-SIMS technique, and the wealth of data produced have generated much interest in its use for biomaterial characterization. This review discusses the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of static TOF-SIMS for biomaterial surface characterization. First the basic principles of TOF-SIMS are introduced, giving an overview of the technique. Next, sample type, and other sample considerations are discussed. Then data interpretation is overviewed using examples from both spectral and imaging data. Finally, quantitative SIMS analysis is discussed and an outlook for TOF-SIMS analysis of biomaterials will be given.

Keyword(s)

Biocompatible Materials
Calibration
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Ions
Mass Spectrometry
Models, Chemical
multivariate analysis
Polymers
Time Factors

Reference Type

Journal Article

Secondary Title

Biomaterials

Author(s)

Belu, Anna M.
Graham, Daniel J.
Castner, David G.

Year Published

2003

Volume Number

24

Issue Number

21

Pages

3635-3653

DOI

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry