Work

Superhydrophilic amide/amino-functionalized titanium-based TiO₂ nanotube implant coating to promote osteogenic differentiation: A dual-cell model study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid and stable osseointegration is critical for the success of titanium implants, particularly in low-density bone. Here, TiO 2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by constant-voltage anodization and sequentially functionalized with acrylic acid (AA) and 2,2′-oxybis(ethylamine) (AEEA). AA grafting introduced surface carboxyl groups, and subsequent AEEA coupling formed amide bonds while exposing terminal amine groups, yielding a superhydrophilic interface that combines nanotopography with reactive surface chemistry. SEM, XPS, and FTIR confirmed the nanotube morphology and the stepwise grafting. Biological performance was evaluated in MC3T3-E1 cells and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and in a rat femoral implantation model. The AEEA-modified surface promoted cell adhesion and spreading, enhanced osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization in both cell models, and improved peri-implant bone formation in vivo. Sequential AA/AEEA grafting therefore provides a drug-free strategy that integrates nanotopography, wettability, and amide/amine surface chemistry to improve the osteogenic performance of titanium implants.

Source: Materials Today Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2026.116086