Untwining the topography-chemistry interdependence to optimize the bioactivity of nano-engineered titanium implants

Abstract

© 2021 Elsevier B.V.Bioactivity is influenced by both the chemistry and the topography of the implant surface; however, the chemical and topographical modifications of nano-engineered implants often occur concurrently. Defining whether and how each of topography and chemistry tailor specific cellular activity has the potential to aid in the fabrication of the next generation of highly responsive implants. New approaches are needed to study implants with similar topography (but different chemistry) and similar chemistry (but different topography). To address this, we fabricated controlled nanotopographies on Ti implants using anodization resulting in similar topography and similar chemistry of Ti/TiO2 nanostructures. Next, we performed in-depth topographical and chemical analysis to evaluate the surface characteristics and quantified their protein adhesion properties. Further, human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were cultured on different surfaces to evaluate cell proliferation, metabolism, adhesion and spreading. Study found that protein adhesion and cell metabolism/proliferation are influenced by the topography (pore size and alignment) as well as the chemistry of the nanostructures. Additionally, cell alignment was significantly influenced by the topography of nanostructures. This study untwined the specific influence of dual topographically/chemically modified nano-engineered surfaces on bioactivity, aiming at optimized parameters towards the next generation of highly bioactive implants.