In vitro evaluation of bio-functional performances of Ghimas titanium implants

Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants. The natural formation, in presence of oxygen, of different oxide films (passivation films) is correlated to titanium implant biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion and is responsible for implant bacteriostatic action. Surface roughness is another surface property of Ti-implants that, affecting implant-to-bone contact, improves integration. In the present study data concerning composition, surface roughness and biocompatibility of Ghimas implants and mini-implants undergoing sandblasting with Calcium Magnesium Carbonate (CaMg(CO3)2) are reported. AFM, SEM/EDX, XRD analyses and morpho-functional tests (MTT and ALP) were performed. Cell actin cytoskeletal modification (fluorescence phalloidin staining) was also observed with confocal laser microscopy (CLSM). Data related to surface geometry and chemical properties, associated with evidence of high purity of all the tested materials (XRD and EDX), highlighted the elevated biocompatibility of tested implants and mini-implants. CLSM investigation confirmed osteoblast features of an active cell behavior able to fit cell to chemico-mechanical stimuli present at the bone/implant interface and suggests an effective implant/alveolar bone integration in vivo.