The development and pre-clinical evaluation of
nano-texturised, biomimetic, surfaces of titanium (Ti) implants treated
with titanium dioxide (TiO. 2. ) nanotube arrays is reviewed. In
vitro and in vivo evaluations show that
TiO. 2. nanotubes on Ti surfaces positively affect the osseointegration,
cell differentiation, mineralisation, and anti-microbial properties.
This surface treatment can be superimposed onto existing macro and
micro porous Ti implants creating a surface texture that also interacts
with cells at the nano level. Histology and mechanical pull-out testing
of specimens in rabbits indicate that TiO. 2. nanotubes
improves bone bonding nine-fold (p = 0.008). The rate of mineralisation
associated with TiO. 2. nanotube surfaces is about three
times that of non-treated Ti surfaces. In addition to improved osseointegration
properties, TiO. 2. nanotubes reduce the initial adhesion
and colonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Collectively, the properties of Ti
