The synthesis, surface analysis, and cellular response of titania and titanium oxynitride nanotube arrays prepared on TiAl6V4 for potential biomedical applications

Abstract

Titania nanotubes are gaining prominence in the biomedical field as implant materials due to their mechanical durability, nano-rough properties, and positive influence on cellular response. This work aimed to synthesize titania and titanium oxynitride (Ti–O–N) nanotubular arrays on TiAl6V4 substrates using an anodic oxidation process followed by annealing in air or by additional nitridation in NH3 atmosphere. Different nanotubular layers of unique morphology and structure were fabricated and investigated using advanced surface analysis and biocompatibility tests. In-depth surface analysis was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), 3D profilometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). Cell testing using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and human fetal osteoblasts demonstrated good cell viability, high proliferative capacity, and a favorable overall effect on cell morphology for the Ti–O–N nanotubes.