CoCrMo surface modifications affect biocompatibility, adhesion, and inflammation in human osteoblasts

In this study, different surface modifications were performed on a Cobalt-Chrome-Molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy and the effects on cell viability and cytotoxicity as well as the adhesion potential of human osteoblasts (hFOB) and their inflammation reaction were investigated in vitro. CoCrMo discs were coated with TiN, with polished and porous coated surfaces, or with pure titanum (cpTi) surfaces and examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy to evaluate surface modifications. In vitro cell viability, adhesion behaviour, and expression of inflammation markers of hFOB human osteoblasts were measured via CellTiter-Glo, CytoTox, ELISA, and RT-PCR respectively. All results were compared to CoCrMo without surface modifications. The biocompatibility data showed high compatibility for the TiN hard coatings. Likewise, the porous surface coating increased cell viability significantly, compared to an untreated CoCrMo alloy. None of the investigated materials influenced cytotoxicity. Different surface modifications did not influence expression of fibronectin, although TiN, porous surface coatings and polished surfaces showed highly significant reductions in integrin subunit expression. In addition to the regulation of adhesion potential these three surfaces stimulated an anti-inflammatory response by osteocytes. Improved biocompatibility and adhesion properties may contribute to better osteointegration of prosthetics.