Osteoblast response to porous titanium surfaces coated with zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite.

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to deposit a zinc-hydroxyapatite (Zn-HA) coating on titanium surfaces by using the electrochemical process and investigate the cell response to the Zn-HA-coated titanium surface.

STUDY DESIGN

Surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Murine preosteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin release on Zn-HA-coated surfaces were compared with HA-coated surfaces.

RESULTS

Field-emission SEM observation showed rod-like HA crystals with a hexagonal cross-section on the HA-coated surface, although the hexagon of the cross-section of Zn-HA crystals became irregular. ICP-AES analysis showed that Zn was present in the Zn-HA coatings at a Zn/(Ca+Zn) molar ratio of 1.04%. Significant increases in cell proliferation, ALP activity on day 7, and osteocalcin production on day 14 (P < .05) were observed for Zn(2+)-containing HA-coated surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that a Zn-HA coating deposited by using the electrochemical process enhances proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, which has the potential benefit to enhance implant osseointegration.