One-step fabrication of cytocompatible micro/nano-textured surface with TiO2 mesoporous arrays on titanium by high current anodization

Abstract

High current anodization (HCA) is a novel strategy to fabricate micro/nano-textured surface with TiO2 mesoporous arrays (MNT-TMAs) on biomedical titanium (Ti) and its alloys. However, our previous study shows that the structure prepared in AgNO3 electrolyte has severe cytotoxicity because of the incorporation of Ag into the surface. The present work tries to prepare MNT-TMAs on Ti surfaces in Cu(NO3)2 electrolyte to eliminate the side effect of Ag. Our results show that the unique structure can be generated in a wide range of Cu(NO3)2 concentrations (1.0 to 12.0g/l). The increase of Cu(NO3)2 concentration has little influence on its micromorphology but decreases the diameter of mesopores. Good interfacial strength is observed. The resultant surface possesses good cytocompatibility because of the absence of toxic Cu in the coatings. Addition of Na3PO4 into the electrolyte has little influence on its microstructure, but can further improve the cytocompatibility due to the incorporation of P into the surface. Good cytocompatibility and interfacial strength render the technique promising in surface modification of implant materials.