Background: Two frequent problems associated with titanium (Ti) surfaces of bone/dental implants are their corrosion and lack of native tissue integration.
Methods: Here, we present an anodization-hydrothermal method for coating Ti surfaces with a layer of silicon (Si)- and strontium (Sr)-loaded titania nanotubes (TNs). The Ti surfaces coated with such a layer (Si–Sr-TNs) were characterized with different techniques.
Results: The results indicate that the Si⁴⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions were evenly incorporated into the TNs and that the Si–Sr-TN layer provides good protection against corrosive media like simulated body fluid. The excellent cytocompatibility of the coating was confirmed in vitro by the significant growth and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.
Conclusion: Being easily and economically fabricated, the Si–Sr-TN surfaces may find their niche in clinical applications, thanks to their excellent biological activity and corrosion resistance.
Keywords: TiO₂ nanotube, silicon, strontium, cytocompatibility, corrosion resistance