Corrosion Stability and Biological Activity of Anodized cpTi for Dental Application

Anodic oxidation of titanium implants is a practical, cost-effective method to enhance implant success, especially due to rising hypersensitivity concerns. This study investigated the electrochemical behavior, surface characteristics, and biocompatibility of anodized commercially pure titanium (cpTi, grade IV). Anodization is performed on polished, cleaned cpTi sheet samples in 1 M H2SO4 using a constant voltage of 15 V for 15 and 45 min. The color of oxide layer is evaluated using CIELab color space, while composition is analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are performed to identify and monitor phase transformations of formed titanium oxides. Corrosion measurements are performed in 9 g L–1 NaCl, pH = 7.4, and shows excellent corrosion stability of the anodized samples in comparison with pure titanium. Biological response is assessed by mitochondrial activity and gene expression of human fibroblasts. Anodized surfaces, particularly Ti-45, promoted higher mitochondrial activity and upregulation of adhesion-related genes (N-cadherin and Vimentin) in human gingival fibroblasts, indicating improved biocompatibility and potential for enhanced early soft tissue integration.