ABSTRACT
Barium titanate (BaTiO3) piezoelectric ceramic may be a potential alternative for promoting osseointegration due to its piezoelectric properties similar to bone electric potentials generated in loading function. In this sense, the aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cellular response of human osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts as well as the impact on S. oralis when in contact with BaTiO3 functionalized zirconia implant surfaces with piezoelectric properties. Zirconia discs with BaTiO3 were produced and contact poling (piezo activation) was performed. Osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19), fibroblasts (HGF hTERT) and S. oralis were culture on discs. Cell viability and morphology, cell differentiation markers, bacterial adhesion and growth were evaluated. The present study suggests that zirconia composite surfaces with the addition of piezoelectric BaTiO3 are not cytotoxic to peri-implant cells. Also, they seem to promote a faster initial osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, these surfaces may inhibit the growth of S. oralis by acting as a bacteriostatic agent over time. Although the piezoelectric properties do not affect the cellular inflammatory profile, they appear to enable the initial adhesion of bacteria, however this is not significant over the entire testing period. Furthermore, the addition of non-poled BaTiO3 to zirconia may have a potential reduction effect on IL-6 mediated-inflammatory activity in fibroblasts.
ABSTRACT
Recently, the production of well-defined patterned surfaces with random or regular micro and nano-features has brought new opportunities for research and development in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Among advanced micro and nano processing technologies, laser surface texturing (LST) stands out due to its simplicity, flexibility, precision, reproducibility and relatively low cost. This work studies the development of patterned surfaces controlled by of LST into biomedical grade V titanium, Ti-6Al-4V-alloy. We present different cross-hatched micropatterns followed by the characterisation of surface morphology and topography. Structural integrity of the produced patterns is evaluated by friction tests against bone, mimicking the insertion of an implant. Wettability is studied as it is crucial for protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The results show that the surface topography obtained using different patterning plans influences the wetting behaviour and the coefficient of friction against bone.
