Human osteoblast-like cell spreading and proliferation on Ti-6Al-7Nb surfaces of varying roughness

There have been a number of attempts to modify the surface of dental implants to improve osseointegration. These modifications include alterations of surface chemistry and roughness. The purpose of this study was to examine the early response of human osteoblast-like cells placed on Ti-6Al-7Nb disks that had a similar grooved surface topography and three different levels of surface roughness (Ra = 0.0374, 0.0911, and 0.2435 µm). Cultures of human osteoblast-like cells revealed no significant difference in initial cell attachment among the various surfaces; however, cell spread was greater on rough surfaces than on glass slides and smoother surfaces. In addition, cell proliferation and Ki-67 expression were increased when cells were cultured on rough surfaces. These results suggest that a greater Ti-6Al-7Nb surface roughness support the initial spread and proliferation of human osteoblast-like cells. Thus, modification of the surface roughness of dental implants might hasten osseointegration. (J Oral Sci 53, 23-30, 2011).