*2.1. Sample Preparation*

Commercial pure titanium (cpTi), biomedical grade 2 (0.015% carbon, 0.1156% oxygen, 0.0095% nitrogen, 0.0013% hydrogen, 0.04% iron) plates with dimensions of 10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm (MIDHANI, Hyderabad, India) were used as the base material. The substrates were polished using 300, 600, 800 and 1200 emery sheets followed by disc polishing to mirror finish using diamond paste. The polished samples were further degreased by cleanser, ultrasonically washed with ethanol and sonicated in acetone several times before drying in air overnight.
