Selective biofunctional modification of titanium implants for osteogenic and antibacterial applications

Abstract

The increasing demands of orthopedic implants have led to remarkable strategies to cure their defects, especially bone integration failure and implant-related infection. It is believed that manipulating cell–surface interactions can endow implants with osteogenic and antibacterial activities, and numerous investigations have been conducted. This article attempts to highlight the diverse modifications of titanium orthopedic implants for selective biofunctionalization. In this article, we first give a brief illustration of cell–surface interactions. Then, based on the structural and chemical influences of surfaces, the recent advances are summarized, which include organized nanostructures and micro/nano-hybrid structures, inorganic component incorporation and external field assistance including the applications of photoirradiation, electrical stimulation and electromagnetic field. Among these strategies, the possible synergetic effects are further discussed. To meet the demands of “smart” and “personalized” orthopedic implants, a deeper insight regarding cell–implant interactions and synergetic effects will be required.