Enhancing Bioactivity of Titanium-Based Materials Through Chitosan Based Coating and Calcitriol Functionalization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Orthopedic Research

Background:

• Titanium (Ti)-based materials are widely used for hard tissue applications.
• Their inherent bioinertness can limit osseointegration and clinical success.
• Enhancing Ti bioactivity is crucial for improved bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize Ti surfaces with chitosan and calcitriol (VD) to improve bioactivity.
• To investigate the effects of this coating on cellular activities and mineralization.
• To assess the potential for enhanced bone regeneration applications.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan nano/microspheres were applied to Ti surfaces via electrophoretic deposition (EPD).
• Calcitriol (VD) was loaded onto the coated surfaces; VD release was monitored.
• Human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) were cultured to assess proliferation, ALP activity, gene expression, and mineralization.

Main Results:

• Chitosan coating increased surface roughness and VD release was sustained over 50 hours.
• VD-functionalized surfaces showed increased ALP activity and osteogenic gene expression (Runx2, Col I, OCn, OP).
• Enhanced cell adhesion protein expression (NC, IaV, Ib3) and significantly improved mineralization were observed.

Conclusions:

• VD-loaded chitosan coatings significantly enhance the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Ti materials.
• The combination of surface roughness and VD promotes osteogenic differentiation and mineralization.
• These findings suggest potential for improved bone regeneration using functionalized Ti implants.