Platelet interactions with titanium: modulation of platelet activity by surface topography

Endosseous implants initially come into contact with blood. Thus, the nature of the interactions between blood and implanted endosseous implants may influence subsequent bone healing events in the peri-implant healing compartment. We conducted studies to address the following question: Does implant surface microtexture modulate platelet activity? We used commercially pure Ti (cpTi) disks with four different surface finishes: dual acid-etched (DAE), 320 grit (320G) abraded, machined, and p1200 polished cpTi. Surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry. The DAE and 320G surfaces presented more complex microtextures than the machined or polished surfaces. Platelet activities were measured by quantifying platelet adherence, platelet-derived microparticle (MP) formation, and P-selectin expression as function of surface type. Platelet adhesion, measured using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. was increased on DAE and 320G surfaces compared to machined and polished surfaces (p < 0.05). M P formation and P-selectin expression, assayed by flow cytometry, also showed increased activation of platelets on DAE and 320G surfaces. Because increased activation of platelets may lead to up-regulation of osteogenic responses during bone healing, these results may explain the enhanced osteoconductivity known to occur with DAE cpTi surfaces in comparison with machined cpTi surfaces.