3D-printed titanium enhances osteoblastic differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization: insights from in...

This study aimed to evaluate osteogenesis on the surface of three-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium (Ti). For this reason, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and osteoblastic-like cells cultures (Saos-2) were plated on 3D-printed Ti for up to 17 days. The following parameters were evaluated: 1) cell morphology; 2) cell viability and proliferation; 3) runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), type I collagen (COL I), osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OC) gene expression; 4) COL I quantification; 5) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and 6) extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization. Machined Ti samples were used as control. The data were analyzed statistically, considering a significant level of 5%. The findings of the study revealed that the surface characteristics of 3D-printed Ti allowed adhesion and proliferation of MSC and Saos-2 similarly as observed for both cultures grown on Machined Ti (p>0.05). However, Saos-2 cultured on 3D-printed Ti exhibited significantly higher ALP activity (p<0.05), whereas no difference was observed for MSC (p>0.05). Additionally, both cell types showed upregulation of osteogenic gene expression (including RUNX2, COL I, OPN, and BSP), increased COL I secretion, and enhanced ECM mineralization compared to those grown on Machined Ti (p<0.05). In conclusion, 3D-printed Ti significantly enhances osteoblastic differentiation in MSC and Saos-2 cultures. It promotes a higher expression of genes linked to bone growth and extracellular matrix mineralization, offering distinct advantages over traditionally Machined Ti. These outcomes highlight the promising potential of 3D-printed Ti for promoting osteogenesis, indicating its suitability for bone tissue engineering applications and advancement in bone regeneration strategies.