Gentamicin-Eluting Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Grown on the Ultrafine-Grained Titanium

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Titanium (Ti)-based materials are ideal for orthopedic and dental implants due to their biocompatibility.
• Ultrafine-grained (UFG) titanium exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and surface energy, making it attractive for implants.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes on titanium surfaces can improve bone bonding, cellular response, and serve as drug reservoirs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gentamicin loading and release from TiO2 nanotubes grown on UFG versus coarse-grained (CG) titanium.
• To evaluate the effect of UFG structure on drug delivery kinetics and surface properties of titanium for implants.

Main Methods:

• UFG titanium was produced using Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP).
• TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized on both UFG and CG titanium substrates via anodization.
• Gentamicin loading and release were analyzed using UV-vis spectroscopy; surface morphology was examined by SEM; wettability was assessed.

Main Results:

• Anodized UFG titanium showed higher gentamicin loading and release capacity compared to CG titanium, attributed to thicker TiO2 nanotube layers.
• Gentamicin release was sustained for 1 day from UFG titanium, significantly longer than the 3-hour release from CG titanium.
• Anodized UFG titanium exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity compared to its CG counterpart.

Conclusions:

• ECAP-processed UFG titanium combined with TiO2 nanotube formation offers superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties for implants.
• The UFG structure facilitates enhanced drug loading and sustained release of gentamicin from TiO2 nanotubes.
• This approach provides a promising strategy for developing advanced implantable materials with controlled drug delivery capabilities.