TiO2 nanotube structures for enhanced cell and biological functionality

Nanostructures have pronounced effects on biological processes such as growth of cells and their functionality. Advances in biomaterial surface structure and design have resulted in improved tissue engineering. Nanotechnology can be utilized for optimization of titanium implants with a formation of vertically aligned TiO 2 nanotube arrays on the implant surface. The anodic oxidation of the titanium implant surface to form a TiO 2 nanotube array involves electrochemical processes and self assembly. In this paper, the mechanism of nanotube formation, nanotube bio-characteristics, and their emerging role in soft and hard tissue engineering as well as in regenerative medicine will be reviewed, and the beneficial effects of surface nanotubes on cell adhesion, proliferation, and functionality will be discussed in relation to potential orthopedics applications.