Recent Progress toward Surface Modification of Bone/Dental Implants with Titanium and Zirconia Dioxide Nanotubes

Abstract

Fabrication of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) and zirconia dioxide nanotubes (ZrNTs), through electrochemical anodization method on metal substrate, has shown great potential in biomedical purposes. As a modified surface, nanotubular surfaces promote cellular interaction compared with conventional flat or polished surfaces. In this study we review different aspects of improvements achieved by growing metal oxide nanotubes. ZrNTs and TNTs have been shown to be promising candidates for application as orthopedic or dental implants. This paper presents an overview of anodization techniques used to produce nanotubular structures (specifically TNTs), subsequent properties of these anodized surfaces, and eventually in vitro as well as in vivo biological responses pertinent to clinical applications.