Improvement of biological and mechanical properties of titanium surface by anodic oxidation

A homogeneous and uniform array of nanotubes with a diameter of about 70 nm was produced on titanium (Ti) surface by anodic oxidation. The wall thickness of the nanotubes was around 20 nm, and the depth was about 200 nm. The biological properties of the anodized Ti surface were investigated by simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking test and in vitro cell culture test. The mechanical properties were evaluated by instrumented nanoindentation test and friction-wear test. The results showed that the anodized Ti surface can induce the formation of bone-like apatite after immersion in SBF for four weeks, enhance cell adhesion, proliferation and gene expression, it also showed decreased friction coefficient, similar stiffness and Young's modulus to those of the cortical bone. Based on these results, it can be concluded that anodic oxidation endowed the Ti surface with improved biological and mechanical properties, which was attributed to the formation of nanostructured surface.