The effect of TiO2 nanotubes on the biological properties of porous titanium foam by anodization technique for orthopedic application

In the present study, the TiO2 nanotubes were coated on the surface of porous Ti foam by the anodization method. The surface of Ti foam before and after coating of TiO2 nanotubes was structurally and morphologically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). Additionally, the cytocompatibility of TiO2-coated porous Ti foam was evaluated by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The results have shown that the anatase crystalline phase was formed on the surface with a uniform thickness of 2.5 µm. Finally, TiO2-coated porous Ti foam was biocompatible and significantly enhanced the proliferation and attachment of MG-63 osteoblast cells compared to the uncoated substrate. All the results postulated that the coating of Ti substrate with TiO2 nanotube shows an excellent promise for dental implant application.