Nanoparticles Decorated Nanotubes: Advanced Local Therapies From Anodized Nanoengineered Titanium Implants

Abstract Titanium‐based dental and orthopedic implants face challenges in achieving long‐term success in compromised patient conditions. Enabling local drug release via surface modification of Ti implants is an attractive strategy for enhancing implant clinical success. Among the various surface topography and chemistry modifications, electrochemically anodized Ti implants with titania (TiO 2 ) nanotubes or TNTs allow for augmented implant‐tissue integration, as well as loading and elution of potent therapeutics directly inside the implant microenvironment. Nanoparticles (NPs) based on Ag, Au, Ga, Cu, Zn, etc., have been incorporated inside TNTs/Ti implants toward achieving synergistic therapies, including osseointegration, immunomodulation, and bactericidal efficacy. However, the balance between therapy and toxicity of NPs decorated TNTs is poorly understood and needs further investigation. In this extensive review, NPs incorporated TNTs are closely examined for achieving superior therapeutic potential without eliciting cytotoxicity. The review highlights critical research gaps and future directions in this domain to ensure the clinical translatability of such novel customizable therapeutic implants.