Anodic oxidized nanotubular titanium implants enhance bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivery

Implant failure has been attributed to loosening of an implant from the host bone possibly due to poor osseointegration. One promising strategy for improving osseointegration is to develop a functional implant surface that promotes osteoblast differentiation. In this study, a titanium (Ti) surface was functionalized by an anodic oxidation process and was loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2). The following four groups of Ti surfaces were prepared: machined (M), anodized machined (MA), resorbable blast medium (RBM), and anodized RBM (RBMA). The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. The results showed that a Ti oxide layer (TiO2) was observed in the anodized surfaces in the form of nanotubes, ∼100 nm in diameter and 500 nm in length. The hydrophilic properties of the anodized surfaces were significantly improved. The adsorbed rhBMP‐2 loaded on the nonanodized surfaces and lyophilized showed spherical particle morphology. However, the adsorbed rhBMP‐2 showed a dispersed pattern over the anodized surfaces. The velocity of the rhBMP‐2 released from the surfaces was measured to determine if the anodized surface can improve in delivery efficiency. The results showed that the release velocity of the rhBMP‐2 from the anodized surfaces was sustained when compared with that of the nonanodized surfaces. In addition, the rhBMP‐2 released from the surface was found to be bioactive according to the alkaline phosphatase activity and the level of calcium mineral deposition. These results suggest that the TiO2 nanotubular structure formed by anodizing is a promising configuration for sustained rhBMP‐2 delivery. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010