Osteoblast Attachment on Bioactive Glass Air Particle Abrasion-Induced Calcium Phosphate Coating

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Titanium (Ti) implants are susceptible to biofilm formation.
• Bioactive glass (BG) air particle abrasion (APA) can decontaminate Ti surfaces and impart antibacterial properties.
• Optimizing Ti surface properties is crucial for osseointegration and preventing infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of BG APA and simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion on sandblasted and acid-etched (SA) Ti surfaces.
• To assess osteoblast cell viability and focal adhesion on modified Ti surfaces.
• To investigate the antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans.

Main Methods:

• Sandblasting and acid-etching (SA) of Ti substrates.
• Air particle abrasion (APA) using zinc-containing bioactive glass (Zn4).
• Mineralization in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days (Zn4-CaP coating).
• Characterization of surface properties (roughness, contact angle, SFE, topography, chemistry).
• Evaluation of osteoblast cell viability and focal adhesion.
• Antibacterial assessment against Streptococcus mutans.

Main Results:

• The Zn4-CaP coating significantly reduced surface roughness (Ra) and increased wettability and surface free energy (SFE) compared to non-coated SA Ti.
• Osteoblast cell viability and focal adhesion on Zn4-CaP coated Ti were comparable to non-coated controls and glass slides.
• The Zn4-CaP coating did not exhibit antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans.

Conclusions:

• APA using Zn4 followed by SBF immersion can create a zinc-containing calcium phosphate coating on SA Ti.
• This coating supports osteoblast cell functions, indicating good biocompatibility.
• The developed coating lacks antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans, suggesting further modifications are needed for combined osteointegration and antimicrobial effects.