Osteogenic activity of a titanium surface modified with silicon-doped titanium dioxide

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Implants
• Surface Science

Background:

• Titanium (Ti) implants are widely used but have limited bioactivity and osteogenesis.
• Improving the bone-implant interface is crucial for successful clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a silicon-doped titanium dioxide (Si-TiO2) microporous coating using microarc oxidation (MAO).
• To evaluate the effect of the Si-TiO2 coating on osteoblast behavior and in vivo osseointegration.

Main Methods:

• Microarc oxidation (MAO) was used to create Si-TiO2 coatings on titanium.
• Surface morphology, roughness, and phase composition were analyzed.
• In vitro studies assessed osteoblast adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and differentiation.
• In vivo studies evaluated early-stage osseointegration.

Main Results:

• Si-TiO2 coatings were successfully fabricated with even silicon distribution.
• The Si-TiO2 coating did not significantly alter surface morphology, roughness, or phase compared to undoped coatings.
• Si-TiO2 promoted osteoblast adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and differentiation.
• The integrin β1-FAK signaling pathway was implicated in the osteoblast response.
• In vivo studies showed improved early osseointegration with Si-TiO2 coatings.

Conclusions:

• Si-TiO2 microporous coatings enhance osteogenic abilities of Ti implants.
• This approach offers a feasible strategy to improve the clinical performance of orthopedic implants.