Effect of biomimetic deposition on anodized titanium surfaces

Surface energy and hydrophilicity of implant surfaces have been known to play an important role in subsequent cellular responses on the implant surface. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of biomimetic deposition of anodized surfaces on surface wettability, surface energy, and osteoblast responses. Ti discs with 2 different surface topographies (machined and anodized) were immersed in Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) and modified simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 2 weeks at physiologic conditions of 37°C, initial pH of 7.4, and p(CO2) of 0.05 atm. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation and energy-dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) microanalysis showed the deposition of calcium phosphate (CaP) onto anodized Ti surfaces immersed in modified SBF. Surface energy, surface wettability, and osteoblast responses, including cell attachment capacity, cell proliferation rate, and cell differentiation level, significantly increased on anodized Ti surfaces immersed in modified SBF. The effects of biomimetic deposition with modified SBF on physiochemical surface characteristics and cell biological responses were greater on anodized surfaces than on machined surfaces. These results indicate that biomimetic deposition with effective SBF may enhance the interaction between anodized Ti surfaces and their biological environment, consequently improving bone healing of dental Ti implants.