Effects of microporous Ti6Al7Nb surfaces on the in vitro bone cells response

One of the limitations of existing bone implants is their long term stability. Controlling cells response at the bio-implant interface may enhance implant osseointegration. In this study, the effects of two different porous surfaces on osteoblast cells response were assessed in vitro. The surfaces were prepared by plasma electrolytic oxidation of Ti6Al7Nb alloy using two different oxidation times (1 and 5 min), resulting in surfaces with different pore size, pore density, roughness and chemical composition. The results indicated that osteoblast cells could attach and proliferate on both surfaces with a slight preference for attachment on the surface with more and finer pores (1 min oxidation). Synthesis of extracellular matrix (collagen) was enhanced on the rougher surface, with larger pores and increased content of Ca and P (5 min oxidation). Superimposing such topographies on titanium macroporous surfaces processed by PM may have beneficial effects for osseointegration.