Ta2O5-doped TiO2 nanotubes on Ti6Al4V alloy with improved cytocompatibility to endothelial cells

Microscopic topography and chemical composition of implant surface play critical roles in cellular response . In this work, Ta 2 O 5 -doped TiO 2 nanotubes (Ta 2 O 5 /TiO 2 NTs) were prepared on Ti6Al4V (TC4) to improve its cytocompatibility to endothelial cells . Firstly, a Ta diffusion layer on TC4 (Ta/TC4) was designed by plasma surface Ta-alloying. Then, a Ta 2 O 5 /TiO 2 NTs film was grown on Ta/TC4 by anodization . The surface morphology , phase composition, and microstructure of the obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ta incorporation leads to the lamellar microstructure ( α' + β ) of Ta/TC4 and the lamellar distribution of Ta 2 O 5 /TiO 2 NTs. In vitro assays demonstrate that the synergistic effect of Ta 2 O 5 addition and biomimetic nanostructure is responsible for the enhanced proliferation, adhesion, cytoskeletal assembly, and spreading of endothelial cells on Ta 2 O 5 /TiO 2 NTs. The excellent cytocompatibility of Ta 2 O 5 /TiO 2 NTs highlights its potential in biomedical applications .