The effect of surface processing of titanium implants on the behavior of human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells.

BACKGROUND

The surface qualities of dental implants appear to modulate osteoblasts' growth and differentiation, affecting bone healing. During manufacturing of implants, the surface quality is affected by industrial processes.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of manufacturing procedures on the growth and differentiation of human osteoblast-like cells, Saos-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saos-2 cells were cultured on titanium (Ti) disks. Cell growth was examined using the XTT assay, and cell differentiation was tested by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin secretion. The following variables were examined: roughening of the surface by sandblasting and acid-etching, aging of the acid used for etching, fluoride modification of the surface, and the type of the packaging material.

RESULTS

An inverse relationship was noted between Saos-2 growth and ALP activity on the tested surfaces. Roughening of the surface tended to decrease cell proliferation and to increase differentiation. Immersion of up to 200 cycles in acid decreased proliferation and increased differentiation. Cells grown on fluoride-modified surfaces exhibited more ALP activity as compared to the unmodified surfaces. No difference was noted between the three packaging materials tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggests that industrial processes may affect the behavior of osteoblast-like cells around titanium implants and should be monitored carefully by bioassays.