Comparative Study of Nanostructured TiO2 and SLA Surface Modifications for Titanium Implants: Surface Morphology and in vitro Evaluation

Our work presents a comparative study of morphological characteristics and the osteogenic potential of MC3T3-E1 cells on different modified surfaces of titanium: nanostructured TiO2 with 20 and 100 nm nanotube diameter, and sandblasting and acid etching, commercially known as SLA. Nanostructured TiO2 surface was prepared by anodizing of titanium plates, while SLA surface was provided by commercial supplier. Surfaces were characterized by SEM, EDS,AFM, and water contact angle measurements. In order to evaluate cell response, in vitro tests of MTT, alkaline phosphatase and staining with alizarin red were performed. From the results of in vitro tests, 100 nm nanotubular surface showed lower levels of cell mineralization, differentiation and adhesion. In general, 20 nm TiO2 nanotubular and SLA surfaces promoted similar response from osteoblasts. As a result, 20 nm nanotubular surface proved to be a possible alternative to SLA surface with potential for use in oral implantology market.