Osteogenic TiO2 composite nano-porous arrays: A favorable platform based on titanium alloys applied in artificial implants

The purpose of the nano-porous TiO2 modification on TC26 (Ti-13 Nb-13Zr) alloy is to settle the issue that the surface inertness of titanium alloys restricts bioactivity and osseointegration of artificial implants. Secondary constant current anodization was conducted to realize the efficient fabrication of the TiO2 composite nano-porous arrays containing the terminal small-diameter nanopores and the upper large-diameter nanotubes. The oxygen bubble mould theory has revealed the anodization mechanism of the TiO2 nano-porous arrays. The anodization parameters and heat treatment conditions are both able to elicit influence on morphology, chemical composition, surface properties and biocompatibility of the as-fabricated samples. The interaction of MC3TC-E1 mouse pre-osteoblasts with a series of TiO2 nano-porous arrays fabricated by primary anodization (PA) and secondary anodization (SA) was investigated by the MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay. The response of the seeded MC3TC-E1 pre-osteoblasts to the as-fabricated samples with various nano-scale dimensions has indicated that appropriate nano-porous morphologies and heat treatment conditions have the capacity to augment cell adhesion, growth, differentiation and functionality. Such fabrication route in this research has provided a promising prospect for development of artificial implants.

Automated summary

The purpose of nano-porous TiO2 modification is to improve the bioactivity and osseointegration of artificial implants by addressing the surface inertness issue of titanium alloys. The study demonstrates that the fabrication parameters and heat treatment conditions of the TiO2 nano-porous arrays can influence their morphology, chemical composition, surface properties and biocompatibility. The interaction of MC3TC-E1 pre-osteoblasts with different nano-scale TiO2 arrays indicates that appropriate nano-porous morphologies and heat treatment conditions enhance cell adhesion, growth, differentiation, and functionality.