Titanium Surface Topography Research Articles

Anti-TLR4 biological response to titanium nitride-coated dental implants: anti-inflammatory response and extracellular matrix synthesis.

Osteointegration is a key process during dental implant placement and is related to titanium surface topography. Implant coating and surface modification methods ameliorate the bone production and the osteogenic process. The current work aimed at evaluating the biological outcomes of two different surfaces of dental implants, machined and titanium nitride (TiN) coated, at an inflammation level using an in vitro model of human periodontal ligament stem cells. The TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathway induced by the Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide was studied by means of gene- and protein-level expression. Moreover, the expression of vimentin, vinculin, and fibronectin was evaluated to investigate their effects on the cell adhesion and extracellular matrix deposition. The results of the present study suggest that TiN-coated titanium disks may modulate inflammation by the suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathway and accelerate extracellular matrix apposition.

Genome-wide transcriptional responses of osteoblasts to different titanium surface topographies

This is the first genome-wide transcriptional profiling study using RNA-sequencing to investigate osteoblast responses to different titanium surface topographies, specifically between machined, smooth and acid-etched, microrough surfaces. Rat femoral osteoblasts were cultured on machine-smooth and acid-etched microrough titanium disks. The culture system was validated through a series of assays confirming reduced osteoblast attachment, slower proliferation, and faster differentiation on microrough surfaces. RNA-sequencing analysis of osteoblasts at an early stage of culture revealed that gene expression was highly correlated (r = 0.975) between the two topographies, but 1.38 % genes were upregulated and 0.37 % were downregulated on microrough surfaces. Upregulated transcripts were enriched for immune system, plasma membrane, response to external stimulus, and positive regulation to stimulus processes. Structural mapping confirmed microrough surface-promoted gene sharing and networking in signaling pathways and immune system/responses. Target-specific pathway analysis revealed that Rho family G-protein signaling pathways and actin genes, responsible for the formation of stress fibers, cytoplasmic projections, and focal adhesion, were upregulated on microrough surfaces without upregulation of core genes triggered by cell-to-cell interactions. Furthermore, disulfide-linked or -targeted extracellular matrix (ECM) or membranous glycoproteins such as laminin, fibronectin, CD36, and thrombospondin were highly expressed on microrough surfaces. Finally, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1, whose co-expression reduces cell proliferation, were upregulated on microrough surfaces. Thus, osteoblasts on microrough surfaces were characterized by upregulation of genes related to a wide range of functions associated with the immune system, stress/stimulus responses, proliferation control, skeletal and cytoplasmic signaling, ECM-integrin receptor interactions, and ECM-membranous glycoprotein interactions, furthering our knowledge of the surface-dependent expression of osteoblastic biomarkers on titanium.

Evaluation of nanoscale versus hybrid micro/nano surface topographies for endosseous implants

We examined the effect of a nanoscale titanium surface topography (D) versus two hybrid micro/nanoscale topographies (B and OS) on adherent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) function in cell culture and in vivo. In the in vitro study, compared to OS and B surfaces, D surface induced earlier and greater cell spreading, and earlier and profound mRNA expression of RUNX2, Osterix and BMP2 in MSCs. D surface induced earlier and higher expression of RUNX2 and BMP2 and lower expression of inflammatory genes in implant adherent cells in vivo. Measurement of osteogenesis at implant surfaces showed greater bone-to-implant contact at D versus OS surfaces after 21 days. We explored the cell population on the D and OS implant surfaces 24 h after placement using single-cell RNA sequencing and identified distinct cell clusters including macrophages, neutrophils and B cells. D surface induced lower expression and earlier reduction of inflammatory genes expression in BMMs in vitro. BMMs on D, B and OS surfaces demonstrated a marked increase of BMP2 expression after 1 and 3 days, and this increase was significantly higher on D surface at day 3. Our data implicates a dynamic process that may be influenced by nanotopography at multiple stages of osseointegration including initial immunomodulation, recruitment of MSCs and later osteoblastic differentiation leading to bone matrix production and mineralization. The results suggest that a nanoscale topography (D) favorably modulates adherent macrophage polarization toward anti-inflammatory and regenerative phenotypes and promotes the osteoinductive phenotype of adherent mesenchymal stem cells. Statement of significanceOur manuscript contains original data developed to define effects of a novel nanotopography on the process of osseointegration at the cell and tissue level. Few studies have compared the effects of a nanoscale surface versus the more typical hybrid micro/nano-scale surfaces used today. We have utilized single-cell RNA sequencing for the first time to identify earliest cell populations on implant surfaces in vivo. We provide data indicating that the nanoscale surface acts upon both osteoprogenitor and immune cell (macrophages) to alter the process of bone formation in a surface-specific manner. This work represents new observations regarding osseointegration and immunomodulation.

Use of Various UVC Photofunctionalization Times to Modify Surface Characteristics and Enhance the Biologic Activity of SLA Titanium.

To evaluate the effect of ultraviolet-C light (UVC) photofunctionalization treatment time on the biologic activity of airborne particle-abraded and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces and to analyze its physical and chemical mechanisms. SLA titanium was treated with UVC light for different lengths of time (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours), and then changes to its surface characteristics were evaluated via electron microscope scanning, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement, and zeta potential measurement. The effect of UVC photofunctionalization on the biologic processes of SLA titanium surfaces was assessed by analyzing the bovine serum albumin adsorption, adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase activity of MG-63 cells. UVC irradiation did not change the topography of SLA titanium surfaces. As treatment times increased, the water contact angle decreased from 120 degrees to 0 degrees, and the hydrocarbon content decreased. Zeta potential testing showed increased surface potential of photofunctionalized titanium. In vitro testing showed that cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity on titanium surfaces were significantly improved by UVC photofunctionalization. UVC photofunctionalization can improve the biologic activity of SLA titanium surfaces by removing hydrocarbons and increasing the surface potential of titanium.

A Comprehensive Review of Surface Coatings for enhancement of Anti-Microbial and Anti-Corrosive Properties of Titanium Implant Surface

Dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Among various biomaterials, titanium has proven to be the most suitable material for dental implants because of its incredible biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and unique surface characteristics. This scientific write-up reviews the comprehensive overview of various surface modification techniques employed to improve the osseointegration, antimicrobial properties, surface topography, and anti-corrosion behavior of titanium as a dental implant biomaterial, highlighting its role in improving implant success rates and long-term clinical outcomes

The Effect of Titanium Surface Topography on Adherent Macrophage Integrin and Cytokine Expression

Immunomodulatory biomaterials have the potential to stimulate an immune response able to promote constructive and functional tissue remodeling, as opposed to persistent inflammation and scar tissue formation. This study examined the effects of titanium surface modification on integrin expression and concurrent cytokine secretion by adherent macrophages in vitro in an attempt to delineate the molecular events involved in biomaterial-mediated immunomodulation. Non-polarised (M0) and inflammatory polarised (M1) macrophages were cultured on a relatively smooth (machined) titanium surface and two proprietary modified rough titanium surfaces (blasted and fluoride-modified) for 24 h. The physiochemical characteristics of the titanium surfaces were assessed by microscopy and profilometry, while macrophage integrin expression and cytokine secretion were determined using PCR and ELISA, respectively. After 24 h adhesion onto titanium, integrin α1 expression was downregulated in both M0 and M1 cells on all titanium surfaces. Expression of integrins α2, αM, β1 and β2 increased in M0 cells cultured on the machined surface only, whereas in M1 cells, expression of integrins α2, αM and β1 all increased with culture on both the machined and rough titanium surfaces. These results correlated with a cytokine secretory response whereby levels of IL-1β, IL-31 and TNF-α increased significantly in M1 cells cultured on the titanium surfaces. These results show that adherent inflammatory macrophages interact with titanium in a surface-dependent manner such that increased levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-31 secreted by M1 cells were associated with higher expression of integrins α2, αM and β1.

Surface morphology and dimensional accuracy of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy: Effect of variable scanning speed with constant laser power in widespread energy density

The present study aims at analysing the combined role of laser power (LP) and scanning speed (SS) on the surface topography and dimensional accuracy of Titanium (Ti–6Al–4V) alloy fabricated through a laser-based powder bed fusion process. The widespread volumetric energy densities (VEDs) ranging from 25 J/mm3 (S1) to 120 J/mm3 (S10) were chosen with five different combinations of LP with varying SS, such as 150 W (276 and 850 mm/s), 250 W (630 and 990 mm/s), 300 W (395 and 465 mm/s), 350 W (405 and 1100 mm/s), and 370 W (850 and 1270 mm/s). Sample S1 (25 J/mm3) revealed the presence of partially melted track and VED beyond 60 J/mm3 producing a detrimental surface quality due to over-burning. At low LPs of 150 and 250 W, a reduction in SS led to a decrease in surface roughness, owing to sufficient melting of the powder layers. Meanwhile, at high LPs of 300 and 350 W, a reduction in SS caused the burning of the layer which led to an increase in the roughness. In contrast, at a high LP of 370 W, a reduction in SS caused a decrease in the roughness parameters. Both LP and SS were found to have strong interdependence in the achievement of the as-built surface quality. Further, the samples fabricated with excessive VED S7 (75 J/mm3), S8 (90 J/mm3), S9 (105 J/mm3) and S10 (120 J/mm3) caused delamination of layers and resulted in severe angular distortion.

Modulation of MG-63 Osteogenic Response on Mechano-Bactericidal Micronanostructured Titanium Surfaces.

Despite recent advances in the development of orthopedic devices, implant-related failures that occur as a result of poor osseointegration and nosocomial infection are frequent. In this study, we developed a multiscale titanium (Ti) surface topography that promotes both osteogenic and mechano-bactericidal activity using a simple two-step fabrication approach. The response of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells and antibacterial activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was compared for two distinct micronanoarchitectures of differing surface roughness created by acid etching, using either hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4), followed by hydrothermal treatment, henceforth referred to as either MN-HCl or MN-H2SO4. The MN-HCl surfaces were characterized by an average surface microroughness (Sa) of 0.8 ± 0.1 μm covered by blade-like nanosheets of 10 ± 2.1 nm thickness, whereas the MN-H2SO4 surfaces exhibited a greater Sa value of 5.8 ± 0.6 μm, with a network of nanosheets of 20 ± 2.6 nm thickness. Both micronanostructured surfaces promoted enhanced MG-63 attachment and differentiation; however, cell proliferation was only significantly increased on MN-HCl surfaces. In addition, the MN-HCl surface exhibited increased levels of bactericidal activity, with only 0.6% of the P. aeruginosa cells and approximately 5% S. aureus cells remaining viable after 24 h when compared to control surfaces. Thus, we propose the modulation of surface roughness and architecture on the micro- and nanoscale to achieve efficient manipulation of osteogenic cell response combined with mechanical antibacterial activity. The outcomes of this study provide significant insight into the further development of advanced multifunctional orthopedic implant surfaces.

A Novel High-Energy Vacuum Ultraviolet Light Photofunctionalization Approach for Decomposing Organic Molecules around Titanium.

Titanium undergoes biological aging, represented by increased hydrophobicity and surface accumulation of organic molecules over time, which compromises the osseointegration of dental and orthopedic implants. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel UV light source, 172 nm wavelength vacuum UV (VUV), in decomposing organic molecules around titanium. Methylene blue solution used as a model organic molecule placed in a quartz ampoule with and without titanium specimens was treated with four different UV light sources: (i) ultraviolet C (UVC), (ii) high-energy UVC (HUVC), (iii) proprietary UV (PUV), and (iv) VUV. After one minute of treatment, VUV decomposed over 90% of methylene blue, while there was 3-, 3-, and 8-fold more methylene blue after the HUVC, PUV, and UVC treatments, respectively. In dose-dependency experiments, maximal methylene blue decomposition occurred after one minute of VUV treatment and after 20-30 min of UVC treatment. Rapid and effective VUV-mediated organic decomposition was not influenced by the surface topography of titanium or its alloy and even occurred in the absence of titanium, indicating only a minimal photocatalytic contribution of titanium dioxide to organic decomposition. VUV-mediated but not other light source-mediated methylene blue decomposition was proportional to its concentration. Plastic tubes significantly reduced methylene blue decomposition for all light sources. These results suggest that VUV, in synergy with quartz ampoules, mediates rapid and effective organic decomposition compared with other UV sources. This proof-of-concept study paves the way for rapid and effective VUV-powered photofunctionalization of titanium to overcome biological aging.

A novel dual surface modification on titanium in dental use: Characterization and topography

This laboratory study aimed to compare, contrast, and evaluate the effect of a novel dual surface modification method on the adhesion strength of resin composite cement to titanium. C.p.‐2 grade titanium samples were silica‐coated, etched with HNO3(69vol %) or a blend of HCl (35vol %) and H3PO4 (85vol %), for 1 h at 80°C. Surface roughness was measured by surface roughness profilometry, topographic analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface analyses by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Silanization of all specimens was carried out after SEM, EDX, and AFM analysis, before enclosed mold microshear bond strength testing (EM‐μSBS). Adhesion strengths were measured after artificial ageing: 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks by EM‐μSBS testing and failure mode analysis by optical microscopy. Polished titanium was used as a control. The highest surface roughness was observed in titanium samples treated with silica‐coating + HCl‐H3PO4 etching. The elemental composition confirmed the presence of Ti, O, C, with Si and Al in samples treated with silica‐coating. A gradual decrease in EM‐μSBS values was observed in all titanium samples with adhesive and cohesive failure modes. The novel dual surface modification method applied in this study suggests that silica‐coating + HCl‐H3PO4etching strongly affects titanium surface topography and roughness. The presence of Si on silica‐coated surface modified titanium before silanization with an experimental silane has a positive effect on the EM‐μSBS of titanium samples treated with silica‐coating only or silica‐coating + HNO3 etching.

Fabrication of an ordered micro-/nanotextured titanium surface to improve osseointegration

Ordered microscale titanium (Ti) surface topography with homogeneous cell-sized microholes (20 µm in diameter) was fabricated using simple electrochemical etching. The as-prepared surface imposed with uniform titania nanotubes (TNTs, 70 nm in diameter) through electrochemical anodization showed no considerable change in the initial microscale morphology. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were used in evaluating the bioactivity. Compared with polished Ti and unordered microtextured Ti, the ordered microtextured Ti formed by electrochemical etching remarkably promoted cell attachment, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, extracellular matrix mineralization, and osteogenesis-related gene expression but considerably inhibited cell proliferation. After TNTs were introduced to the ordered microtextured Ti, cell attachment and osteogenic differentiation indexes were further enhanced, and cell proliferation recovered over time. The ordered micro-/nanotextured Ti surface was more conducive to the cell attachment, proliferation, and osteogenesis of BMSCs than polished Ti with and without TNTs, unordered microtextured Ti with and without TNTs, and unitary ordered microtextured Ti. Thus, the novel ordered bio-inspired micro-/nanotextured structure composed of cell-sized microholes and TNTs on the Ti surface possessed a favorable interfacial environment that improved osseointegration, potentially optimizing Ti implant surface topography.

Comparison of Various Time-Related Modifications of Ultraviolet Photofunctionalization on SLA-Treated Titanium Surfaces.

The purpose of this study was to compare changes in the physicochemical and biologic characteristics of titanium surfaces through short-term re-hydrophobization for 24 hours and ultraviolet (UV) re-irradiation for 24 hours. Photofunctionalization was performed with four 15-W bactericidal lamps at an intensity of 5.0 mW/cm2 (wavelength = 254 ± 20 nm) on sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA)-treated titanium surfaces, which were stored in a sterilized sealed container for 8 weeks to allow enough biologic aging. The duration of the UV irradiation was as follows: irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours; re-hydrophobization group-UV irradiated for 24 hours and then stored in an ambient sterilized medium; and re-irradiation group-UV irradiated for 24 hours followed by storing for 24 hours in an ambient sterilized medium and then UV re-irradiated for 24 hours. The surface characteristics were evaluated with field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle. Cell viability and morphology were measured using fluorescence staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and alizarin red S staining were performed to evaluate the differentiation of osteogenic cells and the mineralization capability. Macroroughness and superimposed microroughness were observed on the disk surfaces in all groups as typically seen on SLA surfaces. The water contact angles were measured to be 1.85, 1.48, and 1.18 degrees for the irradiation group, re-hydrophobization group, and re-irradiation group, respectively, indicating superhydrophilicity. There was no difference in the surface elemental ratio or the spectra of XPS, cell viability, or ALP activity. Although the re-irradiation group had the highest total amount of calcium deposition, there was no statistical significance. Within the limitations of the study, improved superhydrophilicity and bioactivity after UV irradiation were maintained during short-term re-hydrophobization and repeated re-irradiation without changing the topography of SLA titanium surfaces.

Effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation of different titanium surfaces on osteoblast response

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on titanium surface topography and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts using standard clinical treatment settings. Er:YAG laser irradiation at two levels ((1): 160 mJ, pulse at 20 Hz; (2): 80 mJ, pulse at 20 Hz) was applied to moderately rough and smooth titanium disks before MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on these surfaces. Titanium surface and cell morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell proliferation/viability was measured by CCK-8 test. Gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and collagen type 1 was measured by qPCR, and OPG and OC protein production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with Er:YAG laser at 160 mJ/20 Hz markedly caused heat-induced fusion of titanium and cell condensation on moderately rough surfaces, but not in smooth surfaces. MG-63 proliferation/viability decreased after 5 days in moderately rough surfaces. The expression of ALP, OC, OPG, and collagen type 1 was unaffected by laser treatment at 160 mJ/20. Laser irradiation at 80 mJ/20 Hz enhanced RANKL gene expression after 5 days in moderately rough surfaces. Study results suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation at clinically relevant setting has no essential effect on osteogenic gene and protein expression of osteoblasts. However, surface structure, cell attachment, and proliferation are influenced by both treatment protocols, which implies that caution should be taken in the clinical treatment of peri-implant diseases when Er:YAG laser is used.

Surface Topography of Titanium Affects Their Osteogenic Potential through DNA Methylation.

It is widely accepted that sandblasted/large-grit/acid-etched (SLA) surfaces of titanium (Ti) have a higher osteogenic potential than machined ones. However, most studies focused on differential gene expression without elucidating the underlying mechanism for this difference. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the surface roughness of dental Ti implants affects their osteogenic potential. Mouse preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on machined and SLA Ti discs. The cellular activities of the discs were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, proliferation assays, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA methylation was evaluated using a methylation-specific PCR. The cell morphology was slightly different between the two types of surfaces. While cellular proliferation was slightly greater on the machined surfaces, the osteogenic response of the SLA surfaces was superior, and they showed increased alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity and higher bone marker gene expression levels (Type I collagen, Alp, and osteocalcin). The degree of DNA methylation on the Alp gene was lower on the SLA surfaces than on the machined surfaces. DNA methyltransferase inhibitor stimulated the Alp gene expression on the machined surfaces, similar to the SLA surfaces. The superior osteogenic potential of the SLA surfaces can be attributed to a different epigenetic landscape, specifically, the DNA methylation of Alp genes. This finding offers novel insights into epigenetics to supplement genetics and raises the possibility of using epidrugs as potential therapeutic targets to enhance osteogenesis on implant surfaces.

Nanometric Deposition of Fluoride Ions on Titanium Alloys and its Influence on In Vitro Bacterial Adhesion and Viability

Bacterial colonization plays a key role on the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis and may be influenced by titanium surface topography. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of titanium topography after fluoride ions deposition in the bacterial colonization. Machined (M), double acid-etched (DE) and double acid-etched surface with fluoride ions deposition (Nano F-) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle and roughness (Ra). Streptococcus mutans viability was quantified by Live/Dead Baclight bacterial viability kit. The mean Ra/contact angle values were 0.20 μm/69.13°, 0.53 μm /92.82° and 0.56 μm/94.33° for M, DE and Nano F-, respectively. M surface presented significantly lower live bacterial counts when compared to the Nano F- surface (p=0.007). The dead bacteria count was higher on the Nano F- surface (p=0.001) than on the M and DE surfaces. Crystalline deposition of fluoride ions (Nano F-) promoted an increase in dead bacteria on the tested titanium surface.

Evaluation of Preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 Cells Cultured on a Microporous Titanium Membrane Fabricated Using a Precise Mechanical Punching Process.

The surface topography of Titanium (Ti) combined toughness and biocompatibility affects the attachment and migration of cells. Limited information of morphological characteristics, formed by precise machining in micron order, is currently available on the Ti that could promote osteoconduction. In the present study, a pure Ti membrane was pierced with precise 25 μm square holes at 75 μm intervals and appear burrs at the edge of aperture. We defined the surface without burrs as the “Head side” and that with burrs as the “Tail side”. The effects of the machining microtopography on the proliferation and differentiation of the preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells) were investigated. The cells were more likely to migrate to, and accumulate in, the aperture of holes on the head side, but grew uniformly regardless of holes on the tail side. The topography on the both surfaces increased osteopontin gene expression levels. Osteocalcin expression levels were higher on the head side than one on the blank scaffold and tail side (p < 0.05). The osteocalcin protein expression levels were higher on the tail side than on the head side after 21 days of cultivation, and were comparable to the proportion of the calcified area (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate the capacity of a novel microporous Ti membrane fabricated using a precise mechanical punching process to promote cell proliferation and activity.

Investigating the Response of Human Neutrophils to Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Micro-Rough Titanium Surfaces.

Various treatments have been used to change both the topography and chemistry of titanium surfaces, aiming to enhance tissue response and reduce healing times of endosseous implants. Most studies to date focused on bone healing around dental implants occurring later during the healing cascade. However, the impact of the initial inflammatory response in the surgical wound site on the success and healing time of dental implants is crucial for implant integration and success, yet it is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of titanium surface hydrophilicity on the response of human neutrophils by monitoring oxygen radical production, which was measured as chemiluminescence activity. Materials and Methods: Neutrophils were isolated from human donors’ blood buffy coats using the double sucrose gradient method. Neutrophils were exposed to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium surfaces with identical topographies in the presence and absence of human serum. This resulted in six experimental groups including two different implant surfaces, with and without exposure to human serum, and two control groups including an active control with cells alone and a passive control with no cells. Two samples from each group were fixed and analyzed by SEM. Comparisons between surface treatments for differences in chemiluminescence values were performed using analysis of variance ANOVA. Results and Conclusion: In the absence of exposure to serum, there was no significant difference noted between the reaction of neutrophils to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. However, there was a significant reduction in the mean and active chemiluminescence activity of neutrophils to serum-coated hydrophilic titanium surfaces than to serum-coated hydrophobic titanium surfaces. This suggests that surface hydrophilicity promotes enhanced adsorption of serum proteins, which leads to decreased provocation of initial immune cells and reduction of local oxygen radical production during wound healing. This can help explain the faster osseointegration demonstrated by hydrophilic titanium implants.

Effect of titanium surface topography on plasma deposition of antibacterial polymer coatings

Plasma processing, e.g., functionalisation and deposition of antibacterial coatings, is often used to enhance surface properties of biomaterials. Plasma is, however, a non-uniform active medium, and the result of processing depends on the nature of both the plasma and the substratum. Here we show that when an antibacterial coating (i.e., polyterpenol) is plasma polymerised onto four types of titanium substrata that differ in their micro- and nano-scale topography (but not the bulk chemistry), the distribution of functional groups, e.g., OH and CO, in the polymer across the surface differs sufficiently, and so does the antibacterial activity of the resulting material system. While the addition of a coating hinders biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the bactericidal effect is significantly stronger in polymers deposited onto surfaces possessing lower degrees of nanoscale roughness, e.g., substrata after mechanical and chemical polishing. The reduced antibacterial efficacy of polymers on substrata with greater surface roughness (e.g., on mechanically polished or lotus leaf-like surfaces) is attributed to a greater extent of thickness non-uniformity and heterogeneity in the functional group distribution across the surface. These findings suggest that the magnitude and distribution of topographical features of the substratum should be considered when designing plasma-enabled surface modification strategies.

Beta1-integrin and TRPV4 are involved in osteoblast adhesion to different titanium surface topographies

This paper aimed to assess how four different and representative dental implant surfaces (machined MAC, grit blasted GB, acid etched AE and grit blasted acid etched GBAE) could affect cell adhesion possibly modulating protein adsorption and a paramount cell receptor such as α5ß1 integrin. Based on non-contact 3D profilometry, GBAE was rougher than the other surfaces, while GB and AE reached similar intermediate Sa values and MAC resulted the smoothest one. According to X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, all the surfaces showed amorphous titania with similar amounts of carbon contaminants. The lesser protein adsorption and delayed cell adhesion of GB, which did not hinder cell proliferation, were correlated to the altered dispersive to polar SE ratio, that was at least double-fold for GB (2.6) compared to MAC (0.8), SL (1.3) and AE (1.2). The biological response in vitro relied on β1 integrin activation that cooperated with the putative mechano-protein transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in determining the adhesion of the osteoblasts. In fact, it could be rescued by over activating β1 integrin. On the other hand, silencing TRPV4 strongly inhibited cell adhesion on selected substrates, proving the role of this protein in mediating osteoblasts adhesion on titanium substrates.

Elaboration and characterization of TiO2 coatings produced by micro-arc oxidation process

In this paper, the coatings were prepared on titanium surfaces by micro-arc oxidation (MAO). Micro-arc oxidation is a relatively new technique to fabricate ceramic coatings on the surface of titanium. The anodic oxidation changes not only the titanium surface topography but also the chemical composition and physical properties of the surface coatings. The electrolyte used in this paper is a mixture consisting: β-glycerophosphate disodium salt pentahydrate (C3H7Na2O6P *5H2O) and calcium acetate monohydrate ((CH3-COO)2Ca·H2O). The morphology, composition and phase composition of the coatings were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The quality of titania coatings depend of the technique parameters, such as voltage, time, temperature etc.