Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanotubes Obtained by Anodic Oxidation for Biomedical Applications—In Vitro Studies
Rita de Cássia Reis Rangel,
André Luiz Reis Rangel,
Kerolene Barboza da Silva,
Ana Lúcia do Amaral Escada,
Javier Andres Munoz Chaves,
Fátima Raquel Maia,
Sandra Pina,
Rui L. Reis,
Joaquim M. Oliveira,
Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
Affiliations
Rita de Cássia Reis Rangel
São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering, Ilha Solteira 15385-007, Brazil
André Luiz Reis Rangel
São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering, Ilha Solteira 15385-007, Brazil
Kerolene Barboza da Silva
São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering and Sciences, Guaratinguetá, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil
Ana Lúcia do Amaral Escada
São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering and Sciences, Guaratinguetá, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil
Javier Andres Munoz Chaves
Intelligent System Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Corporación Universitaria Comfacauca-Unicomfacauca, Popayán 190003, Colombia
Fátima Raquel Maia
3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
Sandra Pina
3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
Rui L. Reis
3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
Joaquim M. Oliveira
3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering and Sciences, Guaratinguetá, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil
To improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of biodegradable iron-based materials, nanostructured surfaces formed by metal oxides offer a promising strategy for surface functionalization. To explore this potential, iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized on pure iron (Fe) using an anodic oxidation process (50 V–30 min, using an ethylene glycol solution containing 0.3% NH4F and 3% H2O, at a speed of 100 rpm). A nanotube layer composed mainly of α-Fe2O3 with diameters between 60 and 70 nm was obtained. The effect of the Fe-oxide nanotube layer on cell viability and morphology was evaluated by in vitro studies using a human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOs-2 cells). The results showed that the presence of this layer did not harm the viability or morphology of the cells. Furthermore, cells cultured on anodized surfaces showed higher metabolic activity than those on non-anodized surfaces. This research suggests that growing a layer of Fe oxide nanotubes on pure Fe is a promising method for functionalizing and improving the cytocompatibility of iron substrates. This opens up new opportunities for biomedical applications, including the development of cardiovascular stents or osteosynthesis implants.
