Abstract
The formation of an ordered surface texture with micro and nanometer features on Ti/Zr multilayers is studied for better understanding and improvement of cell integration. Nanocomposite in form 30×(Ti/Zr)/Si thin films was deposited by ion sputtering on Si substrate for biocompatibility investigation. Surface texturing by femtosecond laser processing made it possible to form the laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) in each laser-written line. At fluence slightly above the ablation threshold, beside the formation of low spatial frequency-LIPSS (LSFL) oriented perpendicular to the direction of the laser polarization, the laser-induced surface oxidation was achieved on the irradiated area. Intermixing between the Ti and Zr layers with the formation of alloy in the sub-surface region was attained during the laser processing. The surface of the Ti/Zr multilayer system with changed composition and topography was used to observe the effect of topography on the survival, adhesion and proliferation of the murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Confocal and SEM microscopy images showed that cell adhesion and their growth improve on these modified surfaces, with tendency of the cell orientation along of LIPSS in laser-written lines.
Highlights
Thin films and coatings are considered as very applicable for biomaterials, since surface properties are a key factor in the interaction of materials with the biological environment
The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between laser processing and osteoblast-like cell response on titanium–zirconium multilayer thin films
Applying a laser fluence of about 0.4 J cm−2, which is slightly higher than the ablation threshold for the Ti/Zr system (0.22 J cm−2 ), the laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) formation was accompanied by laser ablation of the multilayer 30×(Ti/Zr) thin films, as a consequence of the multi-pulse effect occurring between successive pulses [24]
Summary
Thin films and coatings are considered as very applicable for biomaterials, since surface properties are a key factor in the interaction of materials with the biological environment. Surface composition and morphology regulate surface bioactivity and other biofunctionalities, in terms of the adsorption of proteins on the material surface, which is determinant for the subsequent processes of cell growth, differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation [1,2,3]. Titanium-based materials are nowadays well integrated into the body, due to high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility [4,5]. One of the main tasks is development of the Ti-based alloys with a high concentration of β-stabilizer elements (β phase of titanium), and to provide compliance between the elasticity of the implant and the surrounding hard tissues (bones). The most suitable alloying elements to be added in these new alloys are niobium, tantalum, zirconium, and molybdenum, as they do not exhibit any cytotoxic reaction in contact with cells [6].
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