In vitro behavior of human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS2) cultured on surface modified titanium and titanium–zirconium alloy

In this study, titanium (Ti) and titanium–zirconium (TiZr) alloy samples fabricated through powder metallurgy were surface modified by alkali-heat treatment and calcium (Ca)-ion-deposition. The alteration of the surface morphology and the chemistry of the Ti and TiZr after surface modification were examined. The bioactivity of the Ti and TiZr alloys after the surface modification was demonstrated. Subsequently, the cytocompatibility of the surface modified Ti and TiZr was evaluated via in vitro cell culture using human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS2). The cellular attachment, adhesion and proliferation after cell culture for 14 days were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT assay. The relationship between surface morphology and chemical composition of the surface modified Ti and TiZr and cellular responses was investigated. Results indicated that the surface-modified Ti and TiZr alloys exhibited excellent in vitro cytocompatibility together with satisfactory bioactivity. Since osteoblast adhesion and proliferation are essential prerequisites for a successful implant in vivo, these results provide evidence that Ti and TiZr alloys after appropriate surface modification are promising biomaterials for hard tissue replacement.