Corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of nanostructured TiO2 film on Ti6Al4V

The corrosion behavior and cell adhesion property of nanostructured TiO2 films deposited electrolytically on Ti6Al4V were examined in the present in vitro study. The nanostructured TiO2 film deposition on Ti6Al4V was achieved via peroxoprecursors. SEM micrographs exhibit the formation of amorphous and crystallite TiO2 nanoparticles on Ti6Al4V before and after being annealed at 500 degrees C. Corrosion behavior of TiO2-deposited and uncoated Ti6Al4V was evaluated in freely aerated Hank's solution at 37 degrees C by the measurement and analysis of open-circuit potential variation with time, Tafel plots, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical results indicated that nano-TiO2 coated Ti6Al4V showed a better corrosion resistance in simulated biofluid than uncoated Ti6Al4V. Rat bone cells and human aortic smooth muscle cells were grown on these substrates to study the cellular responses in vitro. The SEM images revealed enhanced cell adhesion, cell spreading, and proliferation on nano-TiO2 coated Ti6Al4V compared to those grown on uncoated substrates for both cell lines. These results suggested that nanotopography produced by deposition of nanostructured TiO2 onto Ti alloy surfaces might enhance corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and cell integration for implants made of Ti alloys.