Preparation and in vitro biocompatibility of hybrid oxide layer on titanium surface

A new technique combining microarc oxidation (MAO) and electrophoresis was introduced to develop a biocompatible oxide layer on pure titanium implant surface. Originally developed alkaline electrolyte containing nano-scale hydroxyapatite powder suspension was used in the new technique. In the electric field, nano-scale hydroxyapatite powder was electrophoretically moved and sintered into the gradually-formed oxide layer on titanium anode. Physio-chemical properties and in vitro biological performance of the newly-formed surface were examined and evaluated. A 8.5-μm thick oxide layer with high surface energy and roughness, which was composed of titanium dioxide and calcium phosphates as well as hydroxyapatite, was formed on titanium surface by the modified MAO technique. Osteoblasts cultured on the modified MAO titanium surface showed significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity comparing to machined and MAO titanium surface. Natural oxide surface of titanium could be transformed into a hybrid oxide layer by modified MAO treatment. The modified titanium surface, which is rough and porous, contains calcium phosphates and proved to be more biocompatible in vitro.