TiO₂ nanotubes synthesised on Ti-6Al-4V ELI exhibits enhanced osteogenic activity: A potential next-generation material to be used as medical implants

Abstract

Ti-6Al-4 V and Ti-6Al-4 V ELI alloys were surface modified with nanotube layers by electrochemical anodisation technique. Osteoblast cell viability and their osteogenic behaviour were studied. It was found that the pore diameters of the nanotubes were in the range of 70–105 nm for Ti-6Al-4 V sample and 60–130 nm for Ti-6Al-4 V ELI sample. Porosity was calculated to be in the range of 75–85% of the total volume of formed nanotubes. Pores were arranged in a self-organised nanotube structure and the nanotubes emanated from the pores. MG63 cells cultured on the samples for 1, 7 and 14 days showed significant osteoblast cell growth on Ti-6Al-4 V ELI surface as compared to the grade 5 titanium alloy. CCK-8 assay results confirmed better cytocompatibility of the Ti-6Al-4 V ELI nanotube surface than the Ti-6Al-4 V surface which were ascribed to various inert or toxic ions released to the medium from Ti-6Al-4 V matrix.