In vivo metallic biomaterials and surface modification

The chemical properties of metallic biomaterials used for artificial joints, bone plates, and dental implants in vivo are discussed based on empirical data, focusing on the maturation of surface oxide film on titanium and the film’s destruction and regeneration in body fluids. It is reviewed the behavior of metallic materials in vivo and how to modify the surface of biomaterials to improve corrosion and wear resistance and bone conductivity. Effect of calcium ion implantation into titanium for improvement of its bone conductivity is given as an example.