Enhanced osteoblast response to hydrophilic strontium and/or phosphate ions-incorporated titanium oxide surfaces

Objective: This study investigated the surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) surfaces incorporated with strontium ions (Sr) and/or phosphate ions (P) produced by hydrothermal treatment for future applications as endosseous implant surfaces. Material and methods: Sr and/or P-incorporated Ti oxide surfaces were produced by hydrothermal treatment. The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, thin-film X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle and surface energy measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and profilometry. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cell attachment, morphology of spread cells, viability, and quantitative analysis of osteoblastic gene expression on grit-blasted microrough (RBM), P-incorporated (P), and P- and Sr-incorporated (SrP) Ti surfaces were evaluated. Results: Microstructured P and SrP surfaces showed significantly higher wettability and surface energy compared with RBM surfaces (P<0.01). After immersion in Hank's balanced salt solution, considerable apatite deposition was observed on the P and SrP surfaces. Sr incorporation significantly increased cellular attachment and viability compared with other surfaces (P<0.05). Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed markedly higher mRNA expressions of the osteoblast transcription factor gene (Runx2) and the osteoblast phenotype genes (alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin) in cells grown on the P and SrP surfaces compared with those on the RBM surface. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that Sr- and P-incorporated Ti oxide surfaces may improve implant bone healing by enhancing attachment, viability, and differentiation of osteoblastic cells.