The surface topography, composition and cell adhesion of commercially available laser-treated titanium implants

Abstract

Implant surface modification methods have recently involved laser treatments to achieve the desired implant surface characteristics. The objective of this research was to investigate the surface chemistry and topography of commercially available laser-irradiated Titanium implants, together with evaluating the cell morphology and cell adhesion of human fetal osteoblasts(hFOB) seeded onto the same implants. 6 commercially available laser-irradiated titanium implants were investigated. The surface topography of these implants was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface chemistry was evaluated with electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The human fetal osteoblasts were seeded onto the implant fixtures to investigate the biocompatibility and adhesion. 2 out of 3 samples from Biomate® displayed dark areas under SEM. These dark areas were consistent with organic matter. In contrast, all Biohorizon® samples were free of dark areas. The hFOB cell experiments revealed cell adhesion with filipodia on Biomate® samples which was consistent with cell maturation. The cells on Biohorizon® samples were morphologically round and lacked projections; one sample was devoid of any noticeable cells under SEM. In conclusion, the presence of organic impurities in the Biomate® samples could not be overlooked because in an in vivo model, the disruption of the osseointegration process may occur due to the rejection of the biomaterial. Nonetheless, there is currently insufficient evidence to link implant failure directly to carbon contaminated implant surfaces. Cell adhesion was observed early after 48 hours in laser-irradiated titanium from both companies. Further studies that determine the toxicity of Vanadium from Ti6Al4V in an in-vivo environment and titanium alloys lasered to a similar roughness of Biomate® samples should indicate the reason for the disparity between the two implant brands.