On the basis of the author experience on surface modification of titanium
and its alloy a nanotextured titanium oxide layer rich in hydroxyl
groups can be obtained on Ti-based substrates by means of hydrofluoric
acid etching and controlled oxidation in hydrogen peroxide [5,15,16].
It is widely reported in the literature that both nanotexture and hydroxyl
group can improve protein absorption and cellular behavior on artifi-
cial substrates. The authors previously verified that the
produced oxide layer is highly scratch resistant and does not alter
fatigue and corrosion resistance of titanium substrate. Modified surfaces
present a bioactive behavior (apatite precipitation in physiological
fluids), improved wettability and are able to stimulate both osteoblast
adhesion and differentiation on them. Moreover the surface
oxide layer can be further improved by the addition of an antibacterial
agent (e.g. Ag) in order to induce an antibacterial behavior