Synergistic effects of bioactive ions and micro/nano-topography on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of murine osteoblasts (MC3T3).

Surface topography and chemical nature of biological materials play an important role in regulating cell behaviors. For the intention of improving the biological performance of Ti6Al4V, the hierarchical micro/nano-topographies containing bioactive ions (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)) were fabricated in this study. Briefly, the hierarchical micro/nano-topography was constructed on Ti6Al4V surface via sandblasting, acid etching and alkali-hydrothermal treatment. Then Na(+) existing in the nano-topography was replaced by Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) through hydrothermal reaction. The surface topographies and chemical nature of native and treated samples were characterized using laser scanning microscope, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy with the energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Surface wettability was measured with a contact angle goniometer. A series of biological tests were carried out to evaluate the synergistic effects of bioactive ions and micro/nano-topography on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of murine osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. The results of in vitro tests indicated that Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) in the titanium alloy surface had an affirmative effect on cells attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Cells grown onto micro/nano-structured surface with Ca(2+) implantation exhibited significantly higher differentiation levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization compared to that on micro/nano-structured surface with Mg(2+) implantation. This study provided a novel method to construct a favorable biological environment between tissues and implants.