Enhancing osseointegration and angiogenesis of Titanium implants through KMnO4-Modified Montmorillonite nano-clay coating

Titanium (Ti) is a widely used and favored material for dental implants, with research efforts focusing on enhancing its osseointegration capabilities. Montmorillonite (MMT), a nano-clay, has shown significant potential in drug delivery, wound healing, and other biomedical applications. Implant coatings based on MMT have demonstrated promising results; however, challenges remain in terms of surface bond strength, stability, and uniformity. Studies have indicated that manganese (Mn) can enhance cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion by activating integrin receptors. Here, a KMnO4-modified MMT (MAO-MMT-Mn) coating was developed on Ti through the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique. The MAO-MMT-Mn coating significantly strengthens its bond, enabling it to withstand greater loads. The incorporation of Mn, silicon (Si) and phosphorus (P) resulted in the formation of uniformly distributed lamellar MMT, facilitating the sustained release of these elements. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the MAO-MMT-Mn coating promoted osteoblast adhesion and endothelial cell migration, and led to a significant increase in the expression of osteogenic and angiogenic genes compared to uncoated Ti. Moreover, in vivo assessments using micro-CT scans and histological staining revealed improved local osseointegration and angiogenesis after 4 weeks of implantation. In conclusion, the MAO-MMT-Mn coating offers a safe, simple, and cost-effective method to enhance the surfaces of Ti implants, thereby potentially enhancing the clinical outcomes of dental implant procedures.