Effect of microtextured titanium sheets using laser enhances proliferation and collagen synthesis of mouse fibroblasts via the TGF-β/Smad pathway

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigates the effects of hexagonal microtextured titanium sheets on fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis, crucial factors in anastomotic healing.Materials and methodsHexagonal titanium sheets were fabricated using a laser microtextured machine. Mouse fibroblastic embryonic stem cells (NIH/3T3) were cultured on these sheets. Cell proliferation was assessed using a CCK8 assay, and expression of TGF-β/Smad pathway-related genes and collagen types I and III was evaluated through qRT-PCR and western blot.ResultsHexagonal titanium sheets significantly enhanced fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis. The 50–30 group, with the smallest contact angle (48 ± 2.3°), exhibited the highest cell growth rates by CCK8 assay. Gene expression analysis revealed that TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and COL1A1 were significantly upregulated in the 50–30 group on day 7. Meanwhile, type I collagen expression was significantly increased in the 50–30 group on day 7 by western blot analysis.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that laser-fabricated hexagonal microtextured titanium sheets enhance hydrophilicity and promote fibroblast growth, activating the TGF-β/Smad pathway to facilitate collagen synthesis. These results have important implications for tissue repair and regeneration.