Tailoring the Surface Functionalities of Titania …
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Due to the presence of the valve metals such as Al, Nb, Zr in the alloy composition,
nanotubular structure with similar morphology were able to form on CP Ti with α
phase, Ti-6Al-4V, and Ti-6Al-7Nb with α + β alloys.
9 Functionalization of Titania Nanotubular Structures
The TiO 2 nanostructures formed via electrochemical anodization process have been
widely explored as a favorable biomaterial for a wide range of biomedical applications. Bone cell adhesion, growth and differentiation, prevention of bacterial
adhesion, apatite forming abilities, drug delivery were demonstrated on nanostructured titania surfaces, showing its potential as bone implants [100–102]. For
improved adhesion of cells on the nanostructures, it is essential to improve the surface
functionalities of these nanostructures.
9.1 Surface Functionalization with Inorganic Bioactive
Agents
The surface modification of titania nanotubes is necessary for improving the biocompatibility via introduction of new properties and functionalities. The tubular structure
of titanium favours the incorporation of various inorganic bioactive agents to impart
some specific properties. The bioactivity and antibacterial activity of nanotubes can
be improved by the incorporation of antibiotics, growth factors, antibacterial agents,
bone growth enhancement agents and anti-inflammatory agents. Loading of various
inorganic bioactive elements such as silver, strontium, zirconium and zinc were
demonstrated to achieve long term antibacterial activity and osteogenesis induction
[103]. Nanotubes not only facilitate the loading of these agents, but also provide
a means to control the loading capacity and release rate by varying the structural
parameters.
To improve the benefits of TiO 2 nanotubes, we have incorporated various inorganic
bioactive agents such as Strontium, Zirconium and Zinc ions into titania nanotubes
and investigated its biocompatibility and electrochemical behaviour in stimulated
body fluid environment. Indira et al. [104] reported the incorporation of Zr over TNT
surface via dip coating method. The FE-SEM micrographs and the corresponding
EDS spectra of TNT and Zr-TNT are shown in Fig. 14a–h. The nanotubes have an
average pore diameter of 110 ± 4 nm and a wall thickness of 15 ± 2 nm respectively
(Fig. 14a and b). The average inter pore diameter is about 128 ± 2 nm. Apparently,
the layer consists of arrays of individual nanotubes with a length of 2.1 ± 0.3 μm
(Fig. 14c). The presence of Ti, O and trace amount of F on the TNT surface was
determined from the EDS spectrum.
531
Due to the presence of the valve metals such as Al, Nb, Zr in the alloy composition,
nanotubular structure with similar morphology were able to form on CP Ti with α
phase, Ti-6Al-4V, and Ti-6Al-7Nb with α + β alloys.
9 Functionalization of Titania Nanotubular Structures
The TiO 2 nanostructures formed via electrochemical anodization process have been
widely explored as a favorable biomaterial for a wide range of biomedical applications. Bone cell adhesion, growth and differentiation, prevention of bacterial
adhesion, apatite forming abilities, drug delivery were demonstrated on nanostructured titania surfaces, showing its potential as bone implants [100–102]. For
improved adhesion of cells on the nanostructures, it is essential to improve the surface
functionalities of these nanostructures.
9.1 Surface Functionalization with Inorganic Bioactive
Agents
The surface modification of titania nanotubes is necessary for improving the biocompatibility via introduction of new properties and functionalities. The tubular structure
of titanium favours the incorporation of various inorganic bioactive agents to impart
some specific properties. The bioactivity and antibacterial activity of nanotubes can
be improved by the incorporation of antibiotics, growth factors, antibacterial agents,
bone growth enhancement agents and anti-inflammatory agents. Loading of various
inorganic bioactive elements such as silver, strontium, zirconium and zinc were
demonstrated to achieve long term antibacterial activity and osteogenesis induction
[103]. Nanotubes not only facilitate the loading of these agents, but also provide
a means to control the loading capacity and release rate by varying the structural
parameters.
To improve the benefits of TiO 2 nanotubes, we have incorporated various inorganic
bioactive agents such as Strontium, Zirconium and Zinc ions into titania nanotubes
and investigated its biocompatibility and electrochemical behaviour in stimulated
body fluid environment. Indira et al. [104] reported the incorporation of Zr over TNT
surface via dip coating method. The FE-SEM micrographs and the corresponding
EDS spectra of TNT and Zr-TNT are shown in Fig. 14a–h. The nanotubes have an
average pore diameter of 110 ± 4 nm and a wall thickness of 15 ± 2 nm respectively
(Fig. 14a and b). The average inter pore diameter is about 128 ± 2 nm. Apparently,
the layer consists of arrays of individual nanotubes with a length of 2.1 ± 0.3 μm
(Fig. 14c). The presence of Ti, O and trace amount of F on the TNT surface was
determined from the EDS spectrum.