Preparation of different forms of titanium oxide on titanium surface: Effects on apatite deposition

Methods of preparing different types of titanium oxide (TiO2) and their effects on apatite deposition and adhesion on titanium surfaces were investigated. Forty-eight commercially pure titanium (Ti) discs were divided into four groups (12 per group) and each group was subjected to the following treatments: Group 1, heat treatment at 750°C; Group 2, oxidation in H2O2 solution followed by heat treatment; Group 3, dipping in rutile/gelatin slurry; and Group 4, dipping in anatase/gelatin slurry. Surface-treated Ti discs were immersed in a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution to allow apatite deposition. Results showed that the percentage of area covered by deposited apatite was highest in Group 4 compared to the other groups. Apatite deposited on Ti discs pretreated in H2O2 solution (Group 2) demonstrated the highest adhesion to the titanium substrate. Results from this study indicated that surface treatment method affects the type of TiO2 layer formed (anatase or rutile) and affects apatite deposition and adhesion on the Ti surface. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 71A: 343–352, 2004