Fabrication of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes as Implantable Drug Delivery Systems
Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) have gained significant attention in biomedical engineering due to their unique properties, including high surface area, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. This project explores the fabrication of TNTs through anodizing processes to develop implantable drug delivery systems aimed at combating postoperative infections in orthopedic implants. Antibiotics like vancomycin were loaded into the nanotubes using physical adsorption and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) techniques. Additionally, biocompatible polymer coatings such as PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) were applied to the TNT surfaces to achieve sustained and controlled drug release.
The study addresses a critical issue in implantable medical devices: localized drug delivery to prevent bacterial infections while minimizing systemic side effects. TNTs, with their highly ordered nanostructure, provide a versatile platform for antibiotic delivery, ensuring prolonged therapeutic efficacy. The incorporation of EPD and polymer coatings significantly enhanced drug retention and release profiles compared to uncoated TNTs. For instance, TNTs with PLGA coatings demonstrated a prolonged release over several days, reducing the initial burst release often associated with uncoated systems.
Advanced characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the successful fabrication of TNTs and uniform drug loading. Drug release experiments highlighted the effectiveness of polymer coatings in modulating the release kinetics. The EPD method not only improved the homogeneity of drug deposition but also allowed for the precise control of release rates, making the system adaptable for various therapeutic applications. Additionally, in vitro studies showed enhanced antibacterial activity of vancomycin-loaded TNTs, reducing bacterial colonies significantly compared to controls.
This project also highlights the potential for TNTs to serve beyond orthopedic implants, extending into broader applications like cancer therapy, where localized drug delivery is critical. By optimizing the fabrication parameters and coating strategies, TNTs can be tailored to deliver a range of bioactive agents, including growth factors or anti-inflammatory drugs, to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, the integration of smart coatings capable of responding to environmental stimuli, such as pH or temperature changes, opens the door to next-generation drug delivery systems.
In conclusion, the research demonstrates that TNTs are a promising platform for localized and controlled drug delivery in medical implants. The combination of advanced fabrication techniques, drug-loading methods, and biocompatible coatings ensures a safe and effective system for combating infections. These findings pave the way for future innovations in implantable medical devices, providing a robust solution to address critical challenges in modern healthcare.
