Manipulation of the osteoblast response to a Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy using a high power diode laser

To improve the bone integration of titanium-based implants a high power diode laser (HPDL) was used to modify the material for improved osteoblast cell response. The surface properties of un-treated and HPDL treated samples were characterized. Contact angles for the un-treated and the HPDL modified titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) were determined with selected biological liquids by the sessile drop technique. The analysis revealed that the wettability of the Ti–6Al–4V improved after HPDL laser treatment, indicating that better interaction with the biological liquids occurred. Moreover, an in vitro human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) evaluation revealed a more favourable cell response on the HPDL laser treated Ti–6Al–4Valloy than on either un-treated sample or a mechanically roughened sample. It was consequently determined that the HPDL provides more a controllable and effective technique to improve the biocompatibility of bio-metals.