Osteogenic activity and antibacterial effects on titanium surfaces modified with Zn-incorporated nanotube arrays

Titanium implants having enhanced osteogenic activity and antibacterial property are highly desirable for the prevention of implant associated infection and promotion of osseointegration. In this study, coatings containing titania nanotubes (NTs) incorporated with zinc (NT-Zn) are produced on Ti implants by anodization and hydrothermal treatment in Zn containing solutions. The amount of incorporated Zn can be adjusted by varying the structural parameters such as the nanotube diameter and length as well as hydrothermal treatment time. The suitable NT-Zn coatings with good intrinsic antibacterial properties can prevent post-operation infection. Excellent osteogenesis inducing ability in the absence of extraneous osteogenic supplements is demonstrated and the ERK1/2 signaling is found to be involved. The NT-Zn structure which is simple, stable, and easy to produce and scale up has immense potential in bone implant applications.