High-current anodization: A novel strategy to functionalize titanium-based biomaterials

Although titanium (Ti) - based materials have been widely used in orthopedic field, their infections and instability remain serious complications. To overcome these shortcomings, we modify the surface of Ti by a high-current anodization (HCA) in AgNO3 electrolyte. Our results show that highly ordered nanopores within micropits on Ti surface can be easily fabricated over a wide range of AgNO3 concentrations. In this structure, AgO nanoparticles (NPs) are embedded in partially crystallized (anatase) TiO2 substrates. Potent antibacterial ability of the HCA treated samples has been demonstrated. Meanwhile, improved cytocomaptibility is also observed after addition of Na3PO4 and Ca(NO3)2 into the electrolyte. The micro-roughness of the HCA treated sample surfaces may contribute to their mechanical interlocking ability with adjacent bone, while the nanopores may enhance osteoblast functions and serve as carriers of various drugs. Moreover, the technique we reported here is also applicable to other electrolytes (such as Cu(NO3)2, CuCl2, Zn(NO3)2, and so on) thus widens its applications.