Preparation and characterization of anodized titanium surfaces and their effect on osteoblast responses.

In this study, titanium (Ti) surface was modified by anodizing with a mixture of beta-glycerophosphate sodium and calcium (Ca) acetate, and the anodized surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis. In vitro osteoblast response to anodized oxide was also evaluated. The anodic oxide produced was observed to have interconnected pores (0.5-2 microm in diameter) and intermediate roughness (0.60-1.00 microm). In addition, anodic oxide was observed to have amorphous and anatase oxide. Calcium and phosphorus ions were deposited on the Ti oxide during anodization. Osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase production, was enhanced on anodized surfaces. It was thus concluded from this study that Ca phosphate can be deposited on Ti surfaces by anodization. It was also concluded that the phenotypic expression of osteoblast was enhanced by the presence of Ca phosphate and higher roughness on anodized Ti surfaces.