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A novel characteristic of porous titanium oxide implants
Author(s) -
Sawase Takashi,
Jimbo Ryo,
Wennerberg Ann,
Suketa Naoki,
Tanaka Yasuhiro,
Atsuta Mitsuru
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
clinical oral implants research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.407
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1600-0501
pISSN - 0905-7161
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2007.01404.x
Subject(s) - titanium , porosity , materials science , dentistry , composite material , metallurgy , medicine
Objective: The anatase form of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is one of the most common crystalline forms of TiO 2 and is normally produced by oxidation of titanium via thermal oxidation or anodizing. This crystalline form exhibits photocatalytic activity when it is irradiated with ultraviolet A (UVA) light. The aim of the current study was to analyze the crystal structure of anodic‐oxidized TiUnite ® implants and to confirm the photocatalytic properties in vitro and in vivo . Material and methods: Cross‐sectional observations by transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the surface crystal structure on the TiUnite implant. Subsequently, photocatalytic activity was confirmed by degradation of methylene blue, and hydrophilicity was measured based on the water contact angle. Furthermore, the in vivo effects of the photocatalytic activity of this compound were investigated. Results: An amorphous layer that was about 10 μm thick was observed on the TiUnite implant surface. In the amorphous layer, the anatase form of the crystalline TiO 2 was identified. Photocatalytic activity was clearly demonstrated by the bleaching effect of methylene blue under UVA illumination. The contact angle decreased from 44° to 11° after UVA illumination. Although these data suggest increased hydrophilicity for the TiUnite implant, the bone‐to‐metal contact at 4 weeks was not influenced. Conclusion: The anodic‐oxidized TiUnite implant has inherent photocatalytic activity. UVA illumination increases the surface hydrophilicity of the implant. However, this increase in hydrophilicity does not improve bone apposition to the implant surface at 4 weeks.