Recent update on implant surface tailoring to improve bone regenerative capacity

Abstract

Metallic implants in dentistry and orthopedics are currently considered one of the most successful clinical devices. The bone regenerative ability at the interface of the implants is largely dominated by the surface properties and the complex events involved with biological ingredients such as ions, proteins and cells. Here we cast an opinion on how to improve the bone regenerative potential of metallic implants, particularly of Ti (alloys) by means of i) updating current technological advances, ii) focusing on the effects of tailored-surface nanostructures on in vitro osteoblasts/stem cells responses, and iii) outlining some in vivo findings. This short review will help spurring future works on advanced surface designs to simulate stem cell behaviors and in vivo outcomes for successful bone regeneration.