Characteristics and Cell Adhesion on Hydroxyapatite-Formed Titanium by Surface Modification

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys were frequently used in many surgical and dental implants because of its good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, they often lack a direct bonding with bone after implantation. In order to enhance a new bone formation, surface composition and roughness of metal implants need to be carefully controlled. In this study, Ti implant discs were modified by using two oxidative methods; chemical (NH4OH/H2O2/H2O) and physical (O-2 plasma) treatments. Hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition on the surface of oxidative Ti samples was then induced in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days in vitro. When the surface morphology of HA-formed Ti was determined using SEM, the surface layer was covered with nano-scaled HA particles. The chemically treated HA-Ti specimens provided preosteoblast with more favorable surface environment in up-regulating cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The present data indicated that the surface treatment of Ti could have a significant impact on HA formation, preosteoblast proliferation, and differentiation.