Interaction between hydrogen peroxide and titanium: a possible role in the biocompatibility of titanium

Hydroxyl radicals formed from hydrogen peroxide during an inflammatory response are potent agents for cellular deterioration. The behaviour of implanted material in terms of its ability to sustain or stop free radical formation may be therefore very important. In vitro studies of titanium which is known to be biocompatible and osseointegrates into human bone were carried out. In our model studies, the production of free radicals from H2O2 at Ti and TiO2 surfaces was measured by spin trapping techniques. Our findings suggest that there is no sustained hydroxyl radical production at a titanium (oxide) surface. We propose that this is due to the quenching of the Fenton reaction through both trapping and oxidation of superoxide radicals in a TiOOH adduct.