Single step nanosecond laser structuring for cost effective functional titanium surfaces with topography driven...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Osseointegration, crucial for implant success, is influenced by implant surface characteristics.
• Nanoscale surface modifications can significantly accelerate bone formation around implants.
• Laser processing is a promising technique for creating tailored implant surface architectures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of single-step nanosecond laser treatment on titanium implant surfaces.
• To characterize the resulting micro- and nanoscale surface topography and chemical composition.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and preosteoblast response to laser-modified titanium surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Titanium substrates were treated using a nanosecond laser at two energy regimes (1.95 mJ/pulse and 4.00 mJ/pulse).
• Surface characterization included SEM, EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, ToF-SIMS, contact angle, and topography measurements.
• Biological assessment involved cytotoxicity and proliferation assays using a mouse preosteoblast cell line.

Main Results:

• Laser treatment generated rough, hydrophobic titanium surfaces with titanium oxo clusters and moderate oxidation (25-31 at% O).
• Both laser-treated surfaces were non-toxic and supported preosteoblast proliferation and adhesion.
• Surface modifications achieved performance comparable to more complex femtosecond laser methods.

Conclusions:

• Single-step nanosecond laser processing is a viable strategy for engineering biocompatible, osseointegration-promoting titanium implant surfaces.
• This method offers a cost-effective and scalable approach to surface modification for dental and orthopedic implants.
• Nanostructured titanium surfaces created by nanosecond lasers enhance early bone formation and implant stability.