UCLA

Titanium implants are the standard therapeutic option for restoring missing teeth and reconstructing fractured or diseased bone. Despite the advancements in implant surface technology over the past 30 years, the osseointegration capabilities of titanium have not significantly improved. This study aimed to develop a novel microrough titanium surface with smooth, rounded edges to enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while improving osseointegration [1,2,5].

In this study, the surface characterization involved flame-heating titanium surfaces thus transforming sharp, knife-like edges into smooth, rounded forms. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were employed to visualize and quantify surface morphology changes. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the surface chemistry remained consistent post-treatment. Wettability was assessed via water contact angle measurements, and cell attachment and proliferation were evaluated using WST-1 assays, fluorescent microscopy, BrdU incorporation, and flow cytometry.

Our findings indicated a substantial enhancement in osteoblast attachment and proliferation on the soft edge microrough surface compared to the knife-edge surface. The WST-1 assay, and fluorescent microscopy confirmed higher cell attachment on the newly created surface. Enhanced cell spreading behavior was observed, with larger cell area, perimeter, and Feret's diameter. Proliferation assays showed sustained increases in cell numbers, and BrdU incorporation confirmed higher DNA synthesis rates. Flow cytometric analysis indicated improved cell cycle progression.

Osteoblast differentiation and function were assessed through ALP activity, matrix mineralization assays, and gene expression analysis. Alizarin red staining demonstrated robust extracellular matrix formation and mineralization on the new surface. Gene expression analysis was also performed to compare the osteogenic potential.

Thus, we demonstrated that our novel micro- rough titanium surface generates substantially increased Osseo integrative ability over the previously available micro-rough titanium surface. This novel surface can have vivid applications in dental and orthopedic fields as well as titanium-based bone engineering scaffolds.