Strontium-Functionalized Titanium Nanotube Surfaces for Next-Generation Dental Implants

Abstract

Dental implants are widely used for oral rehabilitation, however their long-term success is often compromised by inadequate osseointegration and peri-implantitis. Ti–6Al–4V is a commonly used implant material due to its excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, bacterial colonization and the release of alloying ions may trigger inflammation and impair bone healing. This work aims to develop a functionalized titanium surface featuring strontium-incorporated titanium nanotubes to improve antibacterial and osteogenic properties, thereby effectively preventing peri-implantitis and enhancing the long-term success of dental implants. The optimized anodization process produced uniform titania nanotubes with excellent wettability and structural integrity, while controlled Sr deposition enabled stable strontium incorporation and maintained superhydrophilicity. Surface and chemical analyses confirmed the successful modification of the nanotube surface. These findings establish strontium incorporated titania nanotubes as a promising platform for further functionalization with growth-factor loading to enhance osseointegration, reduce bacterial colonization, and minimize peri-implantitis risk in next-generation dental implants.