Multiscale porous titanium surfaces via a two-step etching process for improved mechanical and biological performance

Abstract

Titanium (Ti)-based dental implants with multiscale surface topography have attracted great attention as a promising approach to enhance fixation and long-term stability of the implants, through the synergistic effect of nano- and microscale surface roughness, for accelerated bone regeneration and improved mechanical interlocking. However, structural integrity and mechanical stability of the multiscale roughened Ti surface under deformation need to be considered because significant deformation of dental implants is often induced during the surgical operation. Therefore, in this study, a well-defined nanoporous structure was directly introduced onto micro-roughened Ti surfaces through target-ion induced plasma sputtering (TIPS) with a tantalum (Ta) target, following sand-blasted, large-grit and acid-etching (SLA). This two-step etching process successfully created multiscale surface roughness on Ti with a minimal change of the pre-formed microscale roughness. Moreover, TIPS allowed the Ti surface to possess good mechanical stability under deformation and improved hydrophilicity, through altering the surface chemistry of brittle and hydrophobic SLA-treated Ti without formation of the interface between nanoporous and microporous structures. The in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed that multiscale roughened Ti significantly enhanced osteoblast attachment, proliferation and differentiation, which eventually led to improved bone regeneration and osseointegration, compared to smooth and micro-roughened Ti.

Laser‐Induced Nanostructures on Titanium Surfaces as Developed in the Aeronautics and Space Industry Foster Osteoblast Activity and Function In Vitro

“…Titanium surfaces with a pore size of less than 100 nm in diameter have been shown to promote osteoblast behavior in terms of adhesion and proliferation more effectively than microstructured surfaces . Jang et al described enhanced osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation on Ti surfaces through the synergistic effect of nano‐ and microscale surface roughness produced by a two‐step etching process . In contrast, on the truly nanostructured surfaces evaluated in the present study, we observed a reduction in cell numbers.…”

Osteoconductivity of Porous Titanium Structure on Implants in Osteoporosis

“…Notwithstanding the limited effects on the clinical stability, surface topography in FE-SEM images showed hard tissues incorporated into the interconnected PS after removal. The original shape of the structure revealed a pore diameter greater than 100 µm with an even distribution, which was reported to be of sufficient size to enhance the attachment and proliferation of osteoblasts (Perez and Mestres 2016; Jang et al 2017). Thus, PS might allow penetration of the cells and vascular structure to improve bone ingrowth and osseointegration.…”

Preparation of Zirconium Hydrogen Phosphate Coatings on Sandblasted/Acid-Etched Titanium for Enhancing Its Osteoinductivity and Friction/Corrosion Resistance

“…With this said, however, the bioactivity and osteoinduction capabilities of the SLA structure are insufficient and still need to be further improved. 16 In recent years, through continuous research, researchers have found that it is difficult to achieve an ideal and clinically efficient implant simply by improving a single function of the material. 17 Therefore, it is vital to improve the anti-corrosion/friction properties and osteoinduction ability simultaneously for further promoting the long-term success rate of Ti-based implants.…”