Titanium Nanotubes as Carriers of Osteogenic Growth Factors and Antibacterial Drugs for Applications in Dental Implantology

This chapter explores the use of titanium nanotubes as carriers of osteogenic growth factors and antibacterial drugs in dental implantology. Recent studies show that anodization of titanium can be effectively applied to fabricate nanotubular surfaces which closely mimic the nanoscale architecture of human bone. Such surfaces can be fabricated for implant applications and thus serve as an effective carrier for osteoinductive growth factors to promote bone formation and integration. Recent advances in utilizing titanium nanotubes have been evaluated in preclinical animal studies with favorable results. Titanium nanotubular structures can be functionalized with osteogenic (bone-producing) growth factors which can play a vital role in implant osseointegration. In-vivo study in rats report that the adhesion of osteoblasts and bone regenerating ability are significantly accelerated by titanium nanotubes when compared with clinically used hydroxy apatiteβ tricalcium phosphate (HAβTCP) inserts. Studies also demonstrate that antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs can be physically adsorbed on nanotubular surfaces to produce antibacterial implant surfaces to prevent infection and inflammation following peri-implantitis. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved