Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the characterization and in vitro the biocompatibility of anodized and hydrothermally-treated Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy using a mixture of DL-a-Giycerophosphate disodium salt (DL-a-GP) and calcium acetate hydrate (CA) as an electrolyte. Methods: Discs of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy of 20 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness were anodized at current density of 30 mA/cm2 up to 300 V using a regulated DC power supply. Hydrothermal treatment was conducted by high pressure steam at 300 degrees C for 2 hours using a autoclave. The samples were soaked in the Hanks' solution with pH 7.4 at 36.5 degrees C for 30 days. Surface films were examined with a thin-film X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the cell viability using MTT test. The potentiodynamic polarization curves were obtained in the range of -1,000 -2,000 mV. Results: When amount of DL-a-GP increased while CA remains in constant in an electrolyte, the shape of the precipitated needle-like HA crystals was changed with thicker and shorter rod. When amount of CA increased while DL-a-GP remains in constant in an electrolyte, the more fine needle shape HA crystals appeared. The precipitation of HA crystals on anodized surface was greatly accelerated by hydrothermal treatment. Fine asperity-like HA crystals were observed after being immersed in Hanks' solution at 37 degrees C for 4 weeks. Conclusions: It was found that anodic-spark-converted surfaces of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy showed the excellent in vitro biocompatibility and bone conduction as implant material.

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