Construction of micro–nano network structure on titanium surface for improving bioactivity

Abstract

A novel hierarchical micro–nano structured titania layer was constructed on Ti surface to mimic the multi-level bone structure. The Ti substrate was subjected to a suitable acid etching and subsequent anodization in NaOH electrolyte to form a micro–nano porous titania layer. It was indicated that this microporous/nano-network (micro/nano-network) structured surface presented the enhanced wettability and superhydrophilic property. The polarization curve measurements showed that the as-prepared micro/nano-network structured TiO2 surface was of better corrosion resistance compared to the blank Ti surface, according to its corrosion current decreased, corrosion potential shifted positively and polarization resistance increased in Hank's solution. Meanwhile, the Mott–Schottky plots revealed that less oxygen vacancies existed in the micro/nano-network structured TiO2 film in contrast to the natural oxide film on blank Ti surface. Moreover, it was observed that the micro/nano-network structured surface was completely covered by a homogeneous apatite layer when immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days, exhibiting an excellent ability of biomineration. Furthermore, the superior cell adhesion and viability were discerned on such hierarchically structured surface, through a comparison of MG63 cell behaviors on blank Ti surface, nano-network structured surface and micro/nano-network structured surface. All results suggest our construction of micro–nano porous TiO2 surface is a promising strategy for improving the bioactivity of titanium implants.