Anodized Titanium Alloy Research Articles

Corrosion of Anodized Titanium Alloys

Ti and Ti alloys are employed in demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, aeronautic, structural, naval, and chemical, thanks to their resistance to corrosion due to the formation of the TiO2 film on the surface. Diverse research has established that different corrosive media could attack the oxide layer. One way to generate a stable, compact, and continuous oxide film is through anodizing treatment. The efficiency of anodization depends on diverse factors such as the microstructure, chemical composition of alloys, pH of electrolyte, time, and temperature of anodizing. This review aims to examine the corrosion resistance of the anodized layer on Ti and Ti alloys, with different parameters. The discussion is centered on the influence of the different parameters and alloy properties in the effectivity of anodizing when they are characterized by electrochemical techniques while studying the behavior of oxide.

A novel, minimally invasive implant to assist in repeated intraocular drug delivery.

The standard of care for posterior segment disorders such as wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vascular occlusions is pharmacotherapy by intravitreal drug delivery. Since the therapeutic effect of these drugs lasts only around 4 to 8 weeks, repeated intravitreal injections are required. Pain is experienced by the patients during injection as the needle courses through the sclera and choroid. The current work describes the design and development of a novel anodized titanium alloy implant that allows for intravitreal injections through the implant so that the needle transverses only the conjunctiva, thus minimizing discomfort to the patient. Both ex-vivo testing of the implant in enucleated goat's eye as well as in-vivo validation in rabbit eyes was carried out. The implant was placed through pars plana via a minor surgical procedure and was sutured to the sclera and covered with conjunctiva. Subsequent intravitreal injections were administered under topical anaesthesia with a 30-gauge needle through the implant thus delivering the drug into the vitreous cavity. Repeated intravitreal injections were administered every 2 weeks via the implant for 3 months in 4 rabbits. Apart from cataract in 1 rabbit, no complications were observed. There was no evidence of intra-ocular inflammation or infection at final follow-up. Histopathological analysis did not reveal any inflammation or necrosis around the area of implant. The implants were subsequently removed at 5 months and scleral wound was closed with a single suture. The sclera and overlying conjunctiva healed well and no intraocular complications were observed after removal.

Impact of Femtosecond Laser Treatment Accompanied with Anodization of Titanium Alloy on Fibroblast Cell Growth

Herein, Ti6Al4V alloy is surface modified by femtosecond laser ablation. The microstructure image obtained by secondary electron microscopy reveals a combination of micrometer spikes or cones superimposed by nanoripples (laser‐induced periodic surface structures). To make the surface hydrophilic, anodization is performed resulting in further smoothness of microstructure and a final thickness of 35 ± 4 nm is estimated for oxide produced after anodization at 10 V (scan rate = 0.1 V s−1) versus standard hydrogen electrode. The obtained electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is approximately 8 times larger compared with flat mirror polished Ti6Al4V surface. Combined chemical analysis by Pourbaix diagram and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that titanium and aluminum are passivating into TiO2 and Al2O3, but the dissolution of aluminum in the form of solvated ion is inevitable. Finally, cell seeding experiments on anodized and laser‐treated titanium alloy samples show that the growth of murine fibroblast cells is significantly suppressed due to unique surface texture of the laser‐treated and anodized titanium alloy sample.

(Invited) A Combined Femtosecond Laser Treatment and Anodization Approach to Control Fibroblast Cell Growth on Titanium Alloys

Intra cardiac pace makers are an emerging technology. In case of revisions however they should not be found completely overgrown by fibroblasts. Titanium alloys which are used for their housings can be engineered. For this purpose the titanium alloy is surface treated by femtosecond laser ablation. The microstructure image obtained by secondary electron microscopy reveals a combination of micrometer spikes or cones superimposed by nanoripples or periodic nanoplate-like structure (LIPSS). To make the surface hydrophilic anodization was performed resulting in further smoothness of microstructure and a final thickness of 35±4 nm is estimated for oxide produced after anodization at 10 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode. The obtained electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) is approximately 8-9 times larger as compared to flat mirror polished titanium surface. Combined chemical analysis by Pourbaix diagram and (XPS) analysis reveal that titanium and aluminium are passivating into TiO2 and Al2O3 but the dissolution of aluminium in the form of solvated ion is inevitable. Finally, after exposing the anodized + laser treated titanium alloy sample to murine fibroblast environment, it is found that murine fibroblast cell growth is significantly restricted due to unique surface texture of the laser treated and anodized titanium alloy sample.

Halloysite Nanotube-Reinforced Ion-Incorporated Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan Composite Coating on Ti-6Al-4 V Alloy for Implant Application

To develop the corrosion resistance and improve the biological performance of a titanium implant (Ti6Al4V alloy), a series of mineral (M = Zn and Mg)-substituted hydroxyapatite (MHA), chitosan-MHA (CS-MHA), halloysite nanotube-MHA (HNT-MHA), and HNT-CS-MHA composite coatings were fabricated on the anodized titanium alloy by electrodeposition. The surface morphology and cross section of various coated composites were investigated by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Furthermore, the functional groups and phase structure of the composite coatings were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Corrosion behaviors of the composite coatings were also investigated by polarization and impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, the cell-material interaction of the composite coating was observedin vitrowith human osteoblast MG63 cells for cell proliferation at 1, 4, and 7 days of incubation. Consequently, HNT-CS-MHA-Ti may have potential applications in the field of orthopedic and dental implants.

Anodization of titanium alloys for orthopedic applications

In recent years, nanostructured oxide films on titanium alloy surfaces have gained significant interest due to their electrical, catalytic and biological properties. In literature, there is variety of different approaches to fabricate nanostructured oxide films. Among these methods, anodization technique, which allows fine-tuning of oxide film thickness, feature size, topography and chemistry, is one of the most popular approaches to fabricate nanostructured oxide films on titanium alloys, and it has been widely investigated for orthopedic applications. Briefly, anodization is the growth of a controlled oxide film on a metallic component attached to the anode of an electrochemical cell. This review provides an overview of the anodization technique to grow nanostructured oxide films on titanium and titanium alloys and summarizes the interactions between anodized titanium alloy surfaces with cells in terms of cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. It will start with summarizing the mechanism of nanofeatured oxide fabrication on titanium alloys and then switch its focus on the latest findings for anodization of titanium alloys, including the use of fluoride free electrolytes and anodization of 3D titanium foams. The review will also highlight areas requiring further research to successfully translate anodized titanium alloys to clinics for orthopedic applications.

Changes in the esthetic, physical, and biological properties of a titanium alloy abutment treated by anodic oxidation

Statement of problemThe grayish appearance of titanium abutments adversely affects peri-implant esthetics in patients with thin mucosa, impacting patient satisfaction with implant-supported restorations in esthetic regions. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to change the color of titanium alloys with anodic oxidation and to evaluate alterations in the esthetic, physical, and biological properties of the anodized titanium alloys. Material and methodsPink and yellow titanium alloys produced by anodization were the experimental groups, and the untreated titanium alloy and zirconia were used as the control groups. Pig gingiva was placed on the tested specimens to evaluate the esthetic effect by recording the color change in the gingiva. Physical properties including morphology, chemical composition, roughness, and contact angle were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and a contact angle analysis system. Biological properties were evaluated by observing the cell behaviors of human gingival fibroblasts, using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, a live/dead viability assay, and a cell counting assay. ResultsA variety of colors can be produced on the surfaces of titanium alloys by anodization at different voltages. Titanium alloys anodized at 60 and 65 V exhibited yellow and pink appearances, respectively. Color differences of gingiva caused by anodized titanium alloys were lower than those of the untreated titanium alloy, but they were higher than those of zirconia. Compared with the untreated titanium alloy, the anodized titanium alloys exhibited grain formation, a lower contact angle, and higher roughness. Cell morphology, proliferation, and viability on surfaces of anodized titanium alloys were similar to those of the untreated titanium alloy but lower than those of zirconia. ConclusionsAnodization could change the color of titanium alloys to pink or yellow at different voltages. Grain formation, roughness, and hydrophilicity were increased after treatment. The esthetics and biocompatibility of anodized titanium alloys were not as good as that of zirconia, but the pink and yellow titanium alloys treated by anodization achieved better gingival esthetics than the untreated titanium alloy.

Alkali Treatment of Anodized Titanium Alloys Affects Cytocompatibility

In this paper, the surface modification of titanium alloys Ti-15Mo, Ti-13Nb-13Zr, and Ti-6Al-7Nb is presented as a material for dental implants. The conditions of the plasma electrolytic oxidation process and alkali treatment were designed in this way to enhance the biological properties of the surface of promising Ti alloys. The differences in their surface morphology and, consequently, in their biological properties were discussed. The bioactivity of the samples was examined in vitro using simulated body fluid, and Saos-2 osteoblast cells. On all the samples, characteristic apatite particles were formed. However, compared to as-ground, natively-oxidized bare alloys, the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)-modified surface of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy showed the highest cytocompatibility for Saos-2 osteoblast cells, and a beneficial gain of cytocompatibility was also achieved in the treated sample of Ti-6Al-7Nb. In contrast, the modification of the Ti-15Mo alloy did not influence the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast cells.

Surface nanotopography-induced favorable modulation of bioactivity and osteoconductive potential of anodized 3D printed Ti-6Al-4V alloy mesh structure.

The objective of the study described here is to fundamentally elucidate the biological response of 3D printed Ti-6Al-4V alloy mesh structures that were surface modified to introduce titania nanotubes with an average pore size of ∼80 nm via an electrochemical anodization process from the perspective of enhancing bioactivity. The bioactivity of the mesh structures were analyzed through immersion test in simulated body fluid, which confirmed the nucleation and growth of fine globular nanoscale apatite on the nanoporous titania-modified (anodized) mesh structure surface, and agglomerated apatite with fine flakes of apatite crystals on as-fabricated mesh structure surface, that were rich in calcium and phosphorous. The cellular activity of bioactive anodized mesh structure was explored in terms of cell-material interactions involving adhesion, proliferation, synthesis of extracellular and intracellular proteins, differentiation, and mineralization. Cells adhered with a sheet-like morphology on as-fabricated mesh structure, whereas, on anodized mesh structure, numerous filopodia-like cellular extensions interacting with nanotube pores were observed. The formation of a bioactive nanoscale apatite, cell-nanotube interactions as imaged via electron microscopy, higher expression of proteins (actin, vinculin, fibronectin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and calcium content points toward the determining role of anodized mesh structure in modulating osteoblasts functions. The unique combination of nanoporous bioactive titania and interconnected porous architecture of anodized titanium alloy mesh structure provided a multimodal roughness surface ranging from nano to micro to macroscale, which helps in attaining strong primary and secondary fixation of the implant device along with the pathway for supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells and tissue.

Influence of Alkali Treatment on Anodized Titanium Alloys in Wollastonite Suspension

The surface modification of titanium alloys is an effective method to improve their biocompatibility and tailor the material to the desired profile of implant functionality. In this work, technologically-advanced titanium alloys—Ti-15Mo, Ti-13Nb-13Zr and Ti-6Al-7Nb—were anodized in suspensions, followed by treatment in alkali solutions, with wollastonite deposition from the powder phase suspended in solution. The anodized samples were immersed in NaOH or KOH solution with various concentrations with a different set of temperatures and exposure times. Based on their morphologies (observed by scanning electron microscope), the selected samples were investigated by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Titaniate compounds were formed on the previously anodized titanium surfaces. The surface wettability significantly decreased, mainly on the modified Ti-15Mo alloy surface. Titanium alloy compounds had an influence on the results of the titanium alloys’ surface modification, which caused the surfaces to exhibit differential physical properties. In this paper, we present the influence of the anodization procedure on alkali treatment effects and the properties of obtained hybrid coatings.

Bacterial and fungal biofilm formation on anodized titanium alloys with fluorine.

Orthopaedic device-related infections are closely linked to biofilm formation on the surfaces of these devices. Several modified titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) surfaces doped with fluorine were studied in order to evaluate the influence of these modifications on biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as a yeast. The biofilm studies were performed according to the standard test method approved by ASTM (Designation: E2196-12) using the Rotating Disk Reactor. Four types of Ti-6Al-4V samples were tested; chemically polished (CP), two types of nanostructures containing fluorine, nanoporous (NP) and nanotubular (NT), and non-nanostructured fluorine containing samples (fluoride barrier layers, FBL). Different species of Gram-positive cocci, (Staphylococcus aureus and epidermidis), Gram-negative rods (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and a yeast (Candida albicans) were studied. For one of the Gram-positive (S. epidermidis) and one of the Gram-negative (E. coli) species a statistically-significant decrease in biofilm accumulation for NP and NT samples was found when compared with the biofilm accumulation on CP samples. The results suggest an effect of the modified materials on the biofilm formation.

Posterior Arthroscopic Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Hindfoot arthritis is treated usually with Tibiotalocalcaneal fusion when conservative treatment has failed. Indications of TCC fusion are wide, including post - traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acquired flat foot deformity (Myerson stage IV), failed total ankle arthroplasty. In the vast majority of these cases, there are skin problems because of systemic diseases or wound problems following prior surgery. Several methods have already been described and it seems that the use of intramedullary nail offers a load-sharing rigid internal fixation. The purpose of this presentation is to describe an alternative less invasive surgical technique of TTC fusion using an intramedullary retrograde nail via a posterior arthroscopy of the hindfoot. We present the surgical technique, the early results and quote several cases treated by this method. Methods: Under spinal or general anaesthesia, the patient is positioned prone. Using the standard posteromedial and posterolateral portals, a standard knee arthroscope is inserted via the posterolateral portal. Via the posteromedial portal, a soft tissue shaver is introduced to prepare the posterior gutter. Most of the preparation of the articular surface of the ankle joint is achieved with the arthroscope through the posterolateral portal and the instruments through the posteromedial portal. After the preparation of the ankle joint surfaces, under fluoroscopic control, a guide wire is inserted through calcaneus and talus into the tibia. Reaming is performed. Then a retrograde intramedullary nail is inserted through the calcaneal and the talus to the tibia. An anodized titanium alloy intramedullary nail is used and locked statically with one screw in the calcaneus, one in the talus and two screws in the tibial shaft. The preparation of the subtalar articular surfaces then takes place. Results: Deformity correction and hindfoot fusion were achieved in all five cases. There were no major complications, such as infection, trauma complications, nonunion, malunion or hardware failure. Fusion was achieved in about three months time (plus minus two weeks). All the patients returned back to their daily activities in four to five months time. The post-op AOFAS score was significantly improved. The mean hospitalization was 1.2 days. After the discharged, all the patients were followed at the outpatient clinic in a regular basis. Conclusion: This alternative surgical technique combines the advantages of the TTC fusion with an intramedullary nail and the advantages of the arthroscopic minimal intervention to the soft tissue envelope. This enables immediate mobilization of the patient and a small period of hospitalization. The key point is the steep learning curve. From the literature review can be found similar techniques with equally positive results.

Multilayer coatings formed on titanium alloy surfaces by plasma electrolytic oxidation-electrophoretic deposition methods

Tricalcium phosphate was deposited on the surface of anodized titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-7Nb, Ti-13Nb-13Zr and Ti-15Mo) using the electrophoretic technique (EPD). The multilayer coatings were formed by a three-step experiment. The influences of voltage (step I), time (step II) and concentration of TCP in the suspensions (step III) on the ceramic particle deposition was investigated. The appropriate conditions were determined for each titanium alloy surface modification. The total thickness of the anodized titanium alloys increased, the surface roughness decreased and the wettability increased after TCP particle deposition. A TL-XRD investigation showed that the multilayer coatings were mainly amorphous. All the coatings adhered well to the substrate. The surface modifications increased the corrosion resistance in Ringer’s solution, particularly for the Ti-15Mo alloy. In addition, the multilayer coatings formed on this titanium alloy exhibited the best cytocompatibility with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells.

Use of anodized titanium alloy as drug carrier: Ibuprofen as model of drug releasing

The use of osteoarticular implants has improved the quality of life of millions of patients. In this work nanotubular structures tailored made on Ti6Al4V substrates was used as drug delivery system of ibuprofen as a proof of concept. Three different nanotubular films with different sizes and forms (NT, NT+ and NTb) were analysed. Samples were soaked in a solution of 660mg ibuprofen/20mL n-pentane. The ibuprofen release in aqueous medium was evaluated by liquid chromatography reversed-phase (RP-HPLC). To calculate the observed constant k, the amount of ibuprofen released was plotted versus the time using linear regression according to the zero-order, first-order, second-order and Higuchi model. The release of ibuprofen was constant and independent of the concentration. The kinetic constant obtained was 0.021 (NT), 0.022 (NT+) and 0.013 (NTb) being the correlation factor of 0.98 (zero-order) where the maximum correlation factor was reached. These results indicate that the delivery process from NT and NT+ is similar and slower that NTb. In all the cases was inside the therapeutically range. These results showed the potential of these modifications in order to develop implants that can carry different molecules of medical importance.

Surface properties correlated with the human gingival fibroblasts attachment on various materials for implant abutments: A multiple regression analysis

Objectives. To reveal the suitable surface condition of an implant abutment for fibroblast attachment, the correlation between the surface characteristics of various materials and the human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) attachment to the surfaces were analyzed. Methods. Six kinds of surfaces comprised of machined titanium alloy (SM), machined Co-Cr-Mo alloy (CCM), titanium nitride coated titanium alloy (TiN), anodized titanium alloy (AO), composite resin coating on titanium alloy (R) and zirconia (Zr) were used. The measured surface parameters were Sa, Sq, Sz, Sdr, Sdq, Sal, Str and water contact angle (WCA). The HGF-1 cell attachment was investigated and the correlations were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. Results. The HGF-1 cell attachment was greater in the SM, TiN and Zr groups than the other groups and smallest in the CCM group (p = 0.0096). From the multiple regression analysis, the HGF-1 cell attachment was significantly correlated with Sdr, Sdq and WCA. When the R group was excluded, only WCA showed significant correlation with the fibroblast attachment. Conclusions. Within the limitations of this study, the cell attachment of human gingival fibroblasts was correlated with WCA, developed interfacial area ratio and surface slope. When the surfaces with Sa values of ∼ 0.2 μm or less were concerned, only WCA showed a correlation in a third order manner.

Anodizing color coded anodized Ti6Al4V medical devices for increasing bone cell functions

Current titanium-based implants are often anodized in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for color coding purposes. However, a crucial parameter in selecting the material for an orthopedic implant is the degree to which it will integrate into the surrounding bone. Loosening at the bone–implant interface can cause catastrophic failure when motion occurs between the implant and the surrounding bone. Recently, a different anodization process using hydrofluoric acid has been shown to increase bone growth on commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys through the creation of nanotubes. The objective of this study was to compare, for the first time, the influence of anodizing a titanium alloy medical device in sulfuric acid for color coding purposes, as is done in the orthopedic implant industry, followed by anodizing the device in hydrofluoric acid to implement nanotubes. Specifically, Ti6Al4V model implant samples were anodized first with sulfuric acid to create color-coding features, and then with hydrofluoric acid to implement surface features to enhance osteoblast functions. The material surfaces were characterized by visual inspection, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Human osteoblasts were seeded onto the samples for a series of time points and were measured for adhesion and proliferation. After 1 and 2 weeks, the levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition were measured to assess the long-term differentiation of osteoblasts into the calcium depositing cells. The results showed that anodizing in hydrofluoric acid after anodizing in sulfuric acid partially retains color coding and creates unique surface features to increase osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition. In this manner, this study provides a viable method to anodize an already color coded, anodized titanium alloy to potentially increase bone growth for numerous implant applications.

Effect of electropolishing on electrochemical behaviours of titanium alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al

The electrochemical behaviours of titanium alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al after electropolishing in a self-developed electrolyte in comparison with conventional grinding were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to evaluate the surface characteristics of the alloy. It was found from the EIS experiments that the polarization resistance (Rp) was increased, the double layer capacitance (Qc) was decreased and the electrochemical impedance of the alloy was enhanced by electropolishing. The electropolished surface was flat, smooth and bright and its roughness was 3.310 nm. To underline the advantage of electropolishing process against grinding to provide the anodic oxidation process with a higher quality substrate, the ground and electropolished titanium alloys were anodized in parallel under the same conditions. The corrosion behaviours of the two kinds of anodized titanium alloys were compared. It was revealed that electropolishing generated a high quality substrate and improved the corrosion resistance of anodic oxide film formed on titanium alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al. Furthermore, the mechanism of electropolishing improving the corrosion resistance of the anodic oxide film was proposed.

Bacterial adherence to anodized titanium alloy

The aim of this study was to evaluate Staphylococcus sp adhesion to modified surfaces of anodized titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Surface modification involved generation of fluoride-containing titanium oxide nanotube films. Specimens of Ti-6Al-4V alloy 6-4 ELI-grade 23- meets the requirements of ASTM F136 2002A (AMS 2631B class A1) were anodized in a mixture of sulphuric/hydrofluoric acid at 20 V for 5 and 60 min to form a 100 nm-thick porous film of 20 nm pore diameter and 230 nm-thick nanotube films of 100 nm in diameter. The amount of fluorine in the oxide films was of 6% and of 4%, respectively. Collection strains and six clinical strains each of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were studied. The adherence study was performed using a previously published protocol by Kinnari et al. The experiments were performed in triplicates. As a result, lower adherence was detected for collection strains in modified materials than in unmodified controls. Differences between clinical strains were detected for both species (p<0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test), although global data showed similar results to that of collection strains (p<0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Adherence of bacteria to modified surfaces was decreased for both species. The results also reflect a difference in the adherence between S. aureus and S. epidermidis to the modified material. As a conclusion, not only we were able to confirm the decrease of adherence in the modified surface, but also the need to test multiple clinical strains to obtain more realistic microbiological results due to intraspecies differences.

The biocompatibility of HA thin films deposition on anodized titanium alloys

A thin hydroxyapatite (HA) film was deposited on anodized titanium for the biocompatibility by RF sputtering method. The anodized titanium has improved its bioactivity further by the HA deposition on the anodized titanium surface. TiO 2 layer with 0.2 ~ 0.5 μm diameter pore size was formed on the Ti surface by anodization. HA film deposited surface showed that the pore size and number decreased compared with non-HA deposited surface. The corrosion resistance of HA deposited/anodized Ti was higher than that of the non-treatment Ti alloy in Hank's solution, indicating better protective effect. From the results of cell culture using MTT assays, the best cell proliferation showed in HA deposited surface after anodization of Ti surfaces compared with another surface treatment.

In vivo and in vitro response to electrochemically anodized Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Tissues' reactions to metals depend on a variety of properties of the metal, most notably surface structure. Anodizing has been shown to alter the surface properties of metal, thus eliciting a change in the biocompatibility of the metal. In order to evaluate the biocompatibility of unoxidized titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and anodized titanium alloy samples, the samples were implanted in murine abdominal subcutaneous tissues, and maintained for 2 and 4 weeks. The reaction of the abdominal subcutaneous connective tissues to the samples was then assessed. Fibrous connective tissue capsules were observed around the vicinity of the sample, and these capsules were shown to harbor fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and other cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and giant multinucleated cells. The average thickness of the fibrous capsules observed around the anodized alloy samples was less than that of the capsules seen around samples of the unoxidized titanium alloy. Blood was obtained from the tails of the experimental mice, and blood cell analyses were conducted in order to assess the levels of leukocytes, red blood cells, and thrombocytes. The blood analysis results of the unoxidized control group and treatment group were all within normal ranges. In addition, the biocompatibility of the titanium alloy samples was evaluated using cell culture techniques. The numbers of MG-63 cells cultured on oxidized samples tended to be greater than those in the controls; however, these increases were not statistically significant. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the sample oxidized at 310 V evidenced significantly higher activity than was observed in the control group. These results indicate that the anodized Ti-6Al-4V alloy will be of considerable utility in biomedical applications.