Bioactive Sphene-Based Ceramic Coatings on cpTi Substrates for Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study

Surface modification of titanium implants is a key focus in biomedical engineering to improve osseointegration. While titanium is widely used for dental and orthopedic implants, its surface properties can limit cell adhesion and bone formation. Researchers have explored various coatings to enhance biological performance. Prior studies have shown that bioceramic coatings can influence cell behavior and mineralization. However, the specific effects of sphene (CaTiSiO₅) coatings on stem cell osteogenic differentiation remain unclear. This uncertainty motivated the investigation of sphene-based coatings on titanium substrates. No prior work had resolved the in vitro response of human adipose-derived stem cells to such coatings. Understanding this could advance implant design and biocompatibility. The gap in knowledge highlights the need for controlled experimental studies.

The goal of this study was to assess how sphene-based ceramic coatings affect the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in vitro. Researchers aimed to determine if these coatings could enhance calcium deposition and bone formation. The study focused on the biocompatibility and osteoinductive potential of sphene-coated titanium substrates. The motivation was to develop a promising coating for dental and orthopedic implants. The researchers wanted to test if sphene could improve osseointegration compared to uncoated titanium. They also sought to evaluate the stability and structure of the coatings. The study aimed to provide evidence for the use of sphene in biomedical applications. The findings could guide future implant surface modifications.

Sphene bioceramic coatings were prepared using preceramic polymers and nano-sized active fillers. Spray coating was used to deposit the coatings onto titanium substrates. Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface roughness was measured to assess topography. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to evaluate crystallinity. The chemical stability of the coatings was tested in Tris-HCl solution. hADSCs were seeded onto coated and uncoated samples for 21 days. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT test and immunofluorescent staining.

The MTT test and immunofluorescent staining showed that both coated and uncoated substrates supported cell proliferation. Alizarin Red S staining revealed higher calcium deposition on sphene-coated surfaces compared to uncoated controls. Real-time PCR confirmed osteogenic differentiation in both groups. The sphene-coated samples showed a statistically significant increase in calcium accumulation. The coatings remained chemically stable in Tris-HCl solution. SEM images indicated a uniform coating structure. Surface roughness measurements showed consistent topography. The results suggest that sphene coatings may enhance osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.

The sphene-based ceramic coating demonstrated biocompatibility with hADSCs in vitro. The coating supported cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The higher calcium accumulation on coated surfaces suggests enhanced osteoinductive properties. The chemical stability of the coating in Tris-HCl solution was confirmed. The study supports the potential of sphene coatings for dental and orthopedic implants. The results suggest that the coating could improve osseointegration. The researchers propose that sphene may be a promising material for implant applications. The findings suggest that the coating technology could be useful in biomedical engineering.