Anodic fabrication and bioactivity of Nb-doped TiO2 nanotubes.

We report anodic formation of Ti-Nb-O nanotubes on top of a Ti35Nb alloy, and in vitro bioactivity and stem cell response of the anodic nanotubes. It was found that the amorphous Ti-Nb-O nanotubes presented a significantly enhanced in vitro bioactivity (in simulated body fluids) compared to those of undoped TiO2 nanotubes and porous Ti-Nb-O without nanotubular structure. Similar to undoped TiO2 nanotubes, the Ti-Nb-O nanotubes also promote mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and fast formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) materials. The above findings make it possible to further explore the biological properties, such as cell proliferation and drug delivery, of a variety of Ti-alloy-based oxide nanotubes.

Thermal stability and in vitro bioactivity of Ti-Al-V-O nanostructures fabricated on Ti6Al4V alloy.

This work investigates the thermal stability and in vitro bioactivity of Ti-Al-V-O nanostructures grown on Ti6Al4V alloy through an anodization method. After anodization of the two-phase Ti6Al4V alloy, there were two different kinds of Ti-Al-V-O nanostructure (nanotube arrays grown in the alpha-phase region and irregular nanopores grown in the beta-phase region) that formed on the surface of the alloy. It was found that the Ti-Al-V-O nanotubes can withstand a high temperature of 675 degrees C in air without collapse, whereas the irregular Ti-Al-V-O nanopores presented a lower thermal stability. In vitro simulated body fluid (SBF) testing of heat-treated nanostructures indicated that a quick apatite formation on these nanostructures occurred after only several hours of sample immersion in the SBF.

The preparation of LiCoO2 nanoplates via a hydrothermal process and the investigation of their electrochemical behavior at high rates.

We report an alternative hydrothermal process for the preparation of pure phase LiCoO(2) cathode material for potential application under high rates. By adjusting the hydrothermal conditions, nanoplate-like LiCoO(2) crystals were obtained, with grain size about 200 nm. It was found in the experiment that the H(2)O(2) concentration and hydrothermal temperature were the two key factors that influence the phase purity and crystal shape, while LiOH concentration has only a slight effect on the crystal size of the product. The electrochemical test revealed a good rate behavior of the synthesized pure phase LiCoO(2) nanoplates, demonstrating a potential of the hydrothermal process for mass production.

Characterization of nickel nanocones routed by electrodeposition without any template.

This work reports the synthesis of Ni nanocones by a one-step electrodeposition method without any template. With the addition of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (EDA·2HCl) in the nickel plating solution, the novel Ni conical structure can be easily deposited onto different metal surfaces. The as-prepared nickel nanocones grow preferentially along [Formula: see text] directions with very sharp tips. The conical structures are single crystalline without any disruption of the lattice planes. In addition, the Ni nanocone structure is demonstrated to show magnetocrystalline anisotropy and enhance the magnetic properties when compared with other Ni nanostructures.

[Histomorphometric osseointegration evaluation of hydroxyapatite-coated and non-coated implants in dogs].

OBJECTIVE: Some reports showed the benefits of dental implants coated with hydroxyapatite, while some other studies found no significant difference between HA-coated implants and non-coated implants. The present study was to examine the osseointegration of HA-coated and non-coated implants in dogs. METHODS: Twelve implants, 6 HA-coated and 6 non-coated were placed into mandibles of six dogs after teeth extraction. Animals were sacrificed after 1, 3, 6 months, respectively. Initial healing and the bone-implant interface were histomorphometrically assessed using light microscopy. RESULTS: All implants osseointegrated; however, the ingrowth and development of new bone tissue onto HA-coated implants surface were sooner than that of non-coated ones. The index of bone osseointegration of HA-coated implants was higher than that of non-coated ones. After 1,3,6 months the osseointegration of HA-coated implants were 71.68%, 86.81%, 90.19%; While the non-coated ones'were 53.26%, 66.16%, 68.72%. The differences of them were very significant. CONCLUSION: HA-coated implants enhanced initial bone tissue ingrowth and development and thus benefited the osseointegration of implants.