Cavitation erosion: An efficient method for promoting osteogenesis and immunomodulation of titanium surface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Titanium dental implants require surface treatments to enhance osseointegration and prevent peri-implantitis.
• Current surface modification techniques, such as sandblasted, large grit, and acid-etched (SLA), have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel surface treatment for titanium dental implants using cavitation (CAV).
• To compare the efficacy of CAV treatment against SLA treatment in terms of surface properties and biological responses.

Main Methods:

• Titanium implant surfaces were treated using cavitation (CAV).
• Microscopic morphology and surface roughness were analyzed.
• Osteoblast and macrophage biocompatibility were assessed, including cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and macrophage polarization.

Main Results:

• CAV treatment created characteristic pits and significantly increased surface roughness compared to SLA.
• CAV treatment promoted osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation more effectively than SLA.
• CAV treatment induced an anti-inflammatory phenotype in macrophages.

Conclusions:

• A novel CAV surface treatment for titanium dental implants demonstrates superior biocompatibility, osteogenesis promotion, and immunomodulation.
• CAV treatment offers advantages over SLA, including enhanced biological potential and a simpler, eco-friendly manufacturing process.
• CAV represents a promising new strategy for improving titanium implant surface performance.