Production of multi-layer titania nanotube arrays with application in advanced medicine

Multi-layer titania nanotubes arranged above each other were produced by Iranian researchers of the Science and Research Branch of Yazd Islamic Azad University. The nanotubes have applications in advanced medicine, including the modification of tooth implant surface, orthopedics and targeted drug delivery. In addition, they have applications in photocatalysts, biosensors, photo-electrolyte, and photo-voltaic processes. The method that has been used to produce the synthesized nanotubes provides the opportunity to create single-layer titania nanotubes too. Titania nanotubes are synthesized through various methods, including hydrothermal, sol-gel and electrochemical anodic oxidation (anodizing) methods. Taking into account the studies carried out on various methods to produce nanotubes, the anodizing method in the presence of organic electrolyte solution containing fluoride ion was selected as the desirable method to be used in this research to produce multi-layer titania nanotubes although it took more than a year. Nanotubes synthesized through various methods and by using different organic and aqueous solutions provide the opportunity to produce single-layer titania nanotubes. In this research, the production of multi-layer titania nanotubes that were arranged above each other was achieved taking into account the changes in the parameters and the optimization of the conditions. The presence of titania nanotubes increases the bioactivity, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and also the photocatalytic properties in the surface of the coated materials. The existence of pores and micro-voids in the presence of titania nanotubes creates desirable condition to use such nanostructures more frequently. The length of nanotubes is at micrometric scale while the diameter of the tubes is at nanometric scale. The size and the thickness of the tubes provide desirable conditions for the tubes to be used in medical purposes, including tooth implant, orthopedics, and targeted drug delivery.