Controlling drug release from titania nanotube arrays using polymer nanocarriers and biopolymer coating

Abstract

Creating implants with drug-eluting properties to locally deliver drugs is an appealing approach to address major reasons for orthopaedic implant failures based on titanium such as bacterial infection, extensive inflammation and poor osseointegration. This study explored the use of titania nanotube (TNT) arrays formed on a titanium surface that combines drug delivery and potentially improve bone integration. A titania layer with an array of nanotube structures (~120 nm in diameter and 50 μm in length) was synthesised on titanium surfaces by electrochemical anodization. To achieve sustained drug release from TNTs, we used polymer micelles as drug nanocarriers and coated TNT with biocompatible polymers to test their ability to extend drug release time of TNTs and produce favourable bone cell adhesion properties.