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Graphical abstract Highlights • Silicon-coated TNT coatings were successfully fabricated by anodization and EBE. • The combination of titania nanotubes and silicon enhances osteogenic activity. • Higher silicon amounts on coated TNTs resulted in the greatest osteogenic activity. Abstract In this study, titania nanotubes (TNTs) incorporating silicon (Si) were formed on Ti disks using anodization and electron beam evaporation (EBE) technology to improve the osteogenic activity. The amount of Si was exquisitely adjusted by controlling the duration of EBE to optimize the biofunctionality. As the Si was incorporated, the samples exhibited hydrophilic surfaces. Long lasting and controllable Si release was observed from the EBE-modified samples without cytotoxicity. Moreover, initial cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated. The results showed a notable enhancement of spreading, osteogenesis and differentiation of cells on silicon-coated TNTs (Si-TNTs). In particular, samples with highest amount of silicon (∼5.93% Si) displayed greatest augmentation of ALP activity, osteogenic-related gene expression and mineralization compared to the others in the present study. It was indicated that the modification with TNTs and appropriated Si content resulted in enhanced osteoblastic spreading, proliferation and differentiation, and therefore has the potential for future applications in the field of orthopedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence demonstrates that vessel involvement is crucial in various bone remodeling situations, indicating that blood vessel formation within or surrounding the implant is essential for establishment of rigid implant fixation. In this work, the ability of the silicon-doped porous TiO 2 coatings fabricated via plasma electrolyte oxidation method (PEO) to enhance the angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated. The cellular responses of HUVECs on the silicon-doped porous TiO 2 coatings were studied through cell proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and angiogenic-associated gene (VEGF, HIF-1α and HGF) expression analysis. The results show that small amount of silicon significantly enhanced angiogenic activity of HUVECs, while larger amount of silicon appears excessive. Hence, the silicon-doped TiO 2 coating offers a potential solution to improve bone vascularization to achieve efficient osseointegration and restoration of function after implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]