Assessment of Biomimetic Modification on a Novel Low Elastic Modulus Ti–Nb–Hf Alloy for Dental Implants

Abstract

A simple review of research literature and Research and Development trends (R&D) in the field of dental implants shows an exponential increase in their quantity. The impressive growth in the contributions of nanoscience, in general and nanotechnology/nanomaterials applied to dental care, in particular, also shows the priorities investments and substantive effort of the global research community in this area. Nevertheless, there are still many research challenges and huge opportunities to optimize dental implants. The essential purpose of this study is to assess biomimetic modifications on a novel low elastic modulus TiHfNb Alloy Ni-free. For the mimic surface samples were initially bioactive with Oxygen Plasma (OP) or Piranha etching (Pi). Later three different silanes were used (CPTES, GPTES or APTES+CL) and finally RGD or mixtures 1:1 of RGD:FHRRIKA or RGD:PHSRN were immobilized on the surface. To evaluate the biomimetic modification, cells adhesion studies were performed. For the chemical characterization different techniques were used, including, inter alia: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Zinc-substitution complex technique (ZC), and immunofluorescence. Experimental results showed that the best activation method was the OP, and the biomimetic, modification is a well-grounded research strategy to improve the cell adhesion.