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Spark anodization of titanium–zirconium alloy: surface characterization and bioactivity assessment

  • Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
  • Original Research
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Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been popularly used as implant biomaterial for decades. Recently, titanium–zirconium (TiZr) alloy has been developed as an alternative implant material with improved strength in load bearing areas. Surface modification is one of the key factors to alter the surface properties to hasten osseointegration. Spark anodic oxidation (anodization) is one such method that is reported to enhance the bone formation around implants. This study aims to anodize TiZr and study its surface characteristics and cytocompatibility by cell culture experiments using osteoblast-like cells. Titanium (Ti) and TiZr discs were anodized in an electrolyte containing dl-α-glycerophosphate and calcium acetate (CA) at 300 V. The surface characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy and goniometry. Using osteoblast-like cells viability, proliferation, differentiation and mineralization was assessed. The anodized surfaces demonstrated increased oxygen, entrapped calcium and phosphorous from the electrolyte used. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of anatase in the oxide layer. Average roughness increased and there was a significant decrease in contact angle (P < 0.01) following anodization. The anodized TiZr (aTiZr) surfaces were more nano-porous compared to anodized Ti (aTi). No significant difference was found in the viability of cells, but after 24 h the total number of cells was significantly higher (P < 0.01). Proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposits were significantly higher on anodized surfaces compared to machined surfaces (P < 0.05, ANOVA). Anodization of TiZr resulted in a more nanoporous and hydrophilic surface than aTi, and osteoblast biocompatibility appeared comparable to aTi.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Dentsply, Austarlia and Wishborne trust. We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Liz Girwan, Otago Centre for Electron Microscopy, University of Otago, for her assistance in the SEM. We wish to acknowledge the assistance of Andrew McNaughton, Otago Centre for Confocal Microscopy, University of Otago, for his assistance in the confocal microscopy. We acknowledge the assistance of Paul Reynolds, Department of Chemistry for his assistance in fabrication of electrical set up. We the authors of this manuscript declare that there is no potential conflict of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, Walsh Building, 310 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand

    Ajay Sharma & Warwick John Duncan

  2. Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

    A. James McQuillan

  3. Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

    Lavanya A Sharma

  4. Faculty of Dentistry, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Dunedin, New Zealand

    John Neil Waddell

  5. Department of Conservative Dentistry, Division of Biomaterials and Engineering, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan

    Yo Shibata

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  1. Ajay Sharma
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Correspondence to Ajay Sharma.

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Sharma, A., McQuillan, A.J., A Sharma, L. et al. Spark anodization of titanium–zirconium alloy: surface characterization and bioactivity assessment. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 26, 221 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5555-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5555-7

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