Nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer on titanium implants for improved osteointegration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Research
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Dental implant failure can result from poor integration and coating delamination.
• Improving the titanium-hydroxyapatite interface is crucial for long-term implant success.
• Current methods require enhancement to ensure robust implant performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the titanium-hydroxyapatite interface strength and quality.
• To prevent coating delamination and long-term implant failure.
• To evaluate the novel coating in an in-vivo canine model.

Main Methods:

• Titanium disks and implants underwent Kroll etching and thermochemical treatment.
• A sol-gel hydroxyapatite (HA) coating process created a nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer.
• In vitro cell studies and in vivo canine mandible implantation assessed bioactivity, osteoconduction, and osteointegration.

Main Results:

• The nanoporous bilayer exhibited resistance to crack propagation and delamination.
• In vitro studies showed enhanced cell growth and differentiation on the coated surface.
• In vivo results demonstrated progressive bone incorporation and higher osteoconduction/osteointegration scores compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• The nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer significantly improves in vivo osteoconduction and osteointegration.
• This coating prevents delamination during insertion, potentially increasing HA-coated dental implant stability.
• The combined thermochemical and dip-coating strategy offers a cost-effective approach for enhanced dental implants.