Improving Osteoblast Response In Vitro by a Nanostructured Thin Film with Titanium Carbide and Titanium Oxides Clustered around Graphitic Carbon

Abstract

IntroductionRecently, we introduced a new deposition method, based on Ion Plating Plasma Assisted technology, to coat titanium implants with a thin but hard nanostructured layer composed of titanium carbide and titanium oxides, clustered around graphitic carbon. The nanostructured layer has a double effect: protects the bulk titanium against the harsh conditions of biological tissues and in the same time has a stimulating action on osteoblasts.ResultsThe aim of this work is to describe the biological effects of this layer on osteoblasts cultured in vitro. We demonstrate that the nanostructured layer causes an overexpression of many early genes correlated to proteins involved in bone turnover and an increase in the number of surface receptors for α3β1 integrin, talin, paxillin. Analyses at single-cell level, by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and single cell force spectroscopy, show how the proliferation, adhesion and spreading of cells cultured on coated titanium samples are higher than on uncoated titanium ones. Finally, the chemistry of the layer induces a better formation of blood clots and a higher number of adhered platelets, compared to the uncoated cases, and these are useful features to improve the speed of implant osseointegration.ConclusionIn summary, the nanostructured TiC film, due to its physical and chemical properties, can be used to protect the implants and to improve their acceptance by the bone.

Nano hydroxyapatite‐blasted titanium surface affects pre‐osteoblast morphology by modulating critical intracellular pathways

“…These characteristics influence the biological response to implantable devices by accelerating tissue healing and later osseointegration (Dang et al, 2016;Longo et al, 2016). Another important point to discuss was the influence of nHA on promoting osteoblast differentiation by significantly upregulating classical biomarkers as RUNX2 and ALP activity when pre-osteoblast were grown directly on titanium discs.…”

“…Biotechnology approaches for modification of implant surfaces have been identified as an important strategy to reduce the rehabilitation time of patients suffering edentulism (Dang et al, 2016;Sohrabi et al, 2012). In this sense, the development of novel biofunctionalizing surfaces on titanium alloys has been proved to be fundamental for enhancing osteoprogenitor cells performance and thus accelerating bone neo-formation surrounding implanted devices, positively impacting implant osteointegration (Kulkarni et al, 2015;Longo et al, 2016). In this sense, our group has been devoted to investigate the cell signaling mechanisms involved in the response to different biomaterials (Gemini-Piperni et al, 2014a,b;Zambuzzi et al, 2014) in order to mine intracellular biomarkers related to this scenario.…”

“…Another important point to discuss was the influence of nHA on promoting osteoblast differentiation by significantly upregulating classical biomarkers as RUNX2 and ALP activity when pre-osteoblast were grown directly on titanium discs. These characteristics influence the biological response to implantable devices by accelerating tissue healing and later osseointegration (Dang et al, 2016;Longo et al, 2016). Regarding biofunctionalizing nHA surface, the intimate mixture of the coating components allows lower processing temperatures preventing undesired phase transitions and a high homogeneity of the film is expected (Gottlander et al, 1997;Meirelles et al, 2008).…”

Nanostructured titanium regulates osseointegration via influencing macrophage polarization in the osteogenic environment

“…1 A number of nanomaterials have been produced to induce various biological functions in vivo. 2,3 However, the majority of the work only focuses on the biological effects of nanomaterials while their intrinsic immunomodulatory effects are often neglected. [4][5][6] Take the bone implant materials: for example, titanium (Ti) metal is extensively used in clinical practice due to its outstanding osseointegration ability.…”

Laser‐Induced Nanostructures on Titanium Surfaces as Developed in the Aeronautics and Space Industry Foster Osteoblast Activity and Function In Vitro

“…Furthermore, titanium oxides have previously been reported to cause an upregulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteoblasts and thus to enhance osteoblast activity . Additionally, thin nanostructured implant coatings containing titanium oxides have been found to stimulate osteoblasts to speed implant osseointegration …”