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

The purpose of the nano-porous TiO 2 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 TiO 2 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 TiO 2 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 TiO 2 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.