Applications of Titania Nanotubes in Bone Biology.

Orthopedic implants, including artificial joints and fracture fixation devices, have helped to restore the physical independence of many patients, thereby improving the quality of their lives. Titania (Ti) and its alloys are better implant materials than stainless steel and Co-Cr alloys owing to their superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility; however, Ti-based implants may sometimes fail, leading to repeated surgeries. With the recent advancements in nanotechnology, the nanosurface modifications of Ti, especially in the form of Ti nanotubes (TNTs), have drastically improved the properties of orthopedic implants.

ZnO nanoparticle incorporated nanostructured metallic titanium for increased mesenchymal stem cell response and antibacterial activity.

Recent trends in titanium implants are towards the development of nanoscale topographies that mimic the nanoscale properties of bone tissue. Although the nanosurface promotes the integration of osteoblast cells, infection related problems can also occur, leading to implant failure. Therefore it is imperative to reduce bacterial adhesion on an implant surface, either with or without the use of drugs/antibacterial agents.