Surface nanoengineering of titanium alloys for biomedical applications

Patients who have had an implant of some form in their body not only have to face the challenges of the initial surgery, but also are often left with no choice but to endure a revision surgery. There are several factors responsible for the need for revision surgery, with implant loosening, inflammation and breakage among the most common causes. This thesis focused on modifying the surface of implant to improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity, subsequently eliminating the need for revision surgery. A nanotubular layer was anodised on titanium alloy and the nanoscale characteristics of the nanotubular layer as well as its chemical, physical and biological properties were systematically elucidated. The nanoscale topography of the nanotubes enables bone cells to interlock with them, and improves cell adhesion, proliferation and growth. The bone cell attachment was significantly increased on the nanotubular layers of titania and zirconia fabricated in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes.