Effects of titanium nanotubes on the osseointegration, cell differentiation, mineralisation and antibacterial properties of orthopaedic implant surfaces

The development and pre-clinical evaluation of nano-texturised, biomimetic, surfaces of titanium (Ti) implants treated with titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanotube arrays is reviewed. In vitro and in vivo evaluations show that TiO(2) nanotubes on Ti surfaces positively affect the osseointegration, cell differentiation, mineralisation, and anti-microbial properties. This surface treatment can be superimposed onto existing macro and micro porous Ti implants creating a surface texture that also interacts with cells at the nano level. Histology and mechanical pull-out testing of specimens in rabbits indicate that TiO(2) nanotubes improves bone bonding nine-fold (p = 0.008). The rate of mineralisation associated with TiO(2) nanotube surfaces is about three times that of non-treated Ti surfaces. In addition to improved osseointegration properties, TiO(2) nanotubes reduce the initial adhesion and colonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Collectively, the properties of Ti implant surfaces enhanced with TiO(2) nanotubes show great promise. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):9–16.