Combining Sandblasting, Alkaline Etching, and Collagen Immobilization to Promote Cell Growth on Biomedical Titanium Implants

Abstract

Our objective in this study was to promote the growth of bone cells on biomedical titanium (Ti) implant surfaces via surface modification involving sandblasting, alkaline etching, and type I collagen immobilization using the natural cross-linker genipin. The resulting surface was characterized in terms topography, roughness, wettability, and functional groups, respectively using field emission scanning electron microscopy, 3D profilometry, and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We then evaluated the adhesion, proliferation, initial differentiation, and mineralization of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Results show that sandblasting treatment greatly enhanced surface roughness to promote cell adhesion and proliferation and that the immobilization of type I collagen using genipin enhanced initial cell differentiation as well as mineralization in the extracellular matrix of hMSCs. Interestingly, the nano/submicro-scale pore network and/or hydrophilic features on sandblasted rough Ti surfaces were insufficient to promote cell growth. However, the combination of all proposed surface treatments produced ideal surface characteristics suited to Ti implant applications.

Construction of functional surfaces for dental implants to enhance osseointegration

“…Previous studies have shown that the abundant hydroxyl groups in procyanidin form hydrogen bonds with COL1 to achieve cross-linking without destroying the collagen structure ( He et al, 2011 ). Besides, genipin obtained from the fruit of Genipa Americana may be an alternative of natural crosslinking agents ( Liu et al, 2021 ). It is worth noting that the PDA-assisted bioinspired method can also be used to covalently immobilize with COL1 on Ti surfaces ( Zhao et al, 2022 ).…”

A Comprehensive Review of Surface Modification Techniques for Enhancing the Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed Titanium Implants

“…However, excessive coating thickness may result in peeling. Some pretreatments, such as alkaline treatment, can effectively enhance the adhesion of subsequent coatings [138]. Heat treatment can ameliorate the stress state between different layers and strengthen the bonding, adopting a progressive design that optimizes each layer step-by-step to obtain a multifunctional composite coating with stable and controllable performance [139].…”