Bone-like tissue formation on a biomimetic titanium surface in an explant model of osteoconduction

The clinical use of titanium in dental and orthopedic applications is limited. Over recent years, implant surfaces have undergone numerous modifications to enhance bone integration. In this study, we experimented a bioactive titanium using a simple chemical and moderate heat treatment that led to the formation of a bone-like apatite layer on its surface in simulated body fluids. We used a bone explant model to demonstrate that cells can migrate from the explants and subsequently differentiate to form a mineralized nodular structure. Furthermore, these cells expressed alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and the transcription factor, Runx2. Using this model of osteoconduction, we showed that bioactive titanium bonds directly to bone, while pure titanium cannot. These findings show the importance of implant surface composition in promoting osteogenic cell differentiation and subsequent apposition of the bone matrix, allowing strong bonds to form. This model could be particularly beneficial to closely mimic bone formation adjacent to endosseous implants.