Lithium-Modified TiO2 Surface by Anodization for Enhanced Protein Adsorption and Cell Adhesion

Bioactive Glass and Melittin Thin Films Deposited by MAPLE for Titanium Implant Functionalization

The development of bioactive coatings for metallic implants is essential to enhance osseointegration and improve implant longevity. In this study, composite thin films based on bioactive glass and melittin were synthesized using the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique and deposited onto titanium substrates. The coatings were characterized using physicochemical analysis methods, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Simulated body fluid immersion tests were also conducted to assess bioactivity over time. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed dense, irregular surface textures with nanoscale features and an average roughness of ~120 nm, favorable for cell adhesion. Contact angle measurements showed a significant shift from hydrophobic (~95° for bare titanium) to moderately hydrophilic (~62° for the bioglass and melittin coating) surfaces, indicating improved biocompatibility. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid, with the coating exhibiting a ~45% decrease in impedance magnitude after 12 h of immersion, compared to only 4% for bare titanium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed the progressive formation of a carbonated apatite layer after 7 days of simulated body fluid exposure, suggesting high bioactivity and osteoconductive potential. The combined effects of bioactive glass and melittin in the thin film structure offer promising applications in orthopedic and dental implants, enhancing both biological performance and structural integrity.

Enhanced peri-implantitis management through purple-LED irradiation coupled with silver ion application and calcium phosphate gene transfection carrier coating

The aim of this study was to investigate the bactericidal effect and recovery of biocompatibility of contaminated titanium surfaces using a combination treatment involving silver, copper, or iron ion application along with 400 nm purple-LED light irradiation. Additionally, the study sought to develop a functional calcium phosphate (CaP) coating treatment on titanium surfaces following disinfection, to promote re-osseointegration. A purple-LED emitting light at 400 nm was utilized to irradiate Staphylococcus aureus suspensions and biofilms in the presence of various concentrations of silver, copper, and iron solutions for 1 min. The bactericidal effect and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum were subsequently evaluated. Additionally, the hydrophilicity of the titanium surface and cell viability of MC3T3-E1 cells after combination treatment with silver ion was evaluated. Furthermore, a titanium surface coating with CaP gene transfection carrier containing plasmid DNA was developed using an electric current. The activity of hard tissue formation was then evaluated both in vitro and in vivo post-treatment. The bactericidal effect of the combination treatment with silver ions was attributed to the generation of hydroxyl radicals, whereas the effects from iron and copper treatments were not radical-mediated. The silver treatment significantly restored the hydrophilicity and cell affinity of the titanium surface. Moreover, CaP coating applied via an electric current (30 µA for 5 min) enhanced hard tissue formation activity on the titanium surface in both in vitro and in vivo settings. The combination treatment utilizing silver ions and purple-LED irradiation significantly enhanced bactericidal effects by generating high levels of hydroxyl radicals. Additionally, coating the titanium surface with functionalized CaP promoted early osseointegration, suggesting a promising strategy for improving implant outcomes.

Enhancing osteogenic properties with gelatin/chitosan hydrogel encapsulating lithium-coated titanium oxide hollow sphere particles loaded with quercetin

Metallic oxides especially lithium and titanium oxides are well known for their osteogenic properties. When combined in the right proportions, metallic oxides can have an even greater impact. However, releasing ions from oxides can lead to oxidative stress, which is harmful to cell growth. By reducing oxidative stress, we can enhance these ions' therapeutic and bone-forming properties. In our study, we have developed a novel combination of titanium oxide coated with lithium oxide to release ions simultaneously. We engineered hollow sphere titanium oxide particles to carry quercetin (QC), a natural antioxidant. These particles were then incorporated into a gelatin/chitosan-based hydrogel, which was further functionalized with carbon nanotubes which induced conductivity and improved mechanical properties. In drug release experiments, we found that QC was released steadily from the hydrogel, in contrast to a control group where the drug was mixed in with hydrogel indicating the significance of a secondary carrier. Additionally, our cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the importance of delivering QC alongside lithium (Li) and titanium ions, as this combination reduced toxicity and enhanced bone-forming activity. Finally, our study showed that the hydrogel containing drug-loaded hollow sphere particles could promote bone formation, as evidenced by osteogenic differentiation studies. This innovative approach holds promise for improving non-load-bearing bone regeneration therapies in the future.

Comprehensive Overview of Interface Strategies in Implant Osseointegration

With the improvement of implant design and the expansion of application scenarios, orthopedic implants have become a common surgical option for treating fractures and end‐stage osteoarthritis. Their common goal is rapidly forming and long‐term stable osseointegration. However, this fixation effect is limited by implant surface characteristics and peri‐implant bone tissue activity. Therefore, this review summarizes the strategies of interface engineering (osteogenic peptides, growth factors, and metal ions) and treatment methods (porous nanotubes, hydrogel embedding, and other load‐release systems) through research on its biological mechanism, paving the way to achieve the adaptation of both and coordination between different strategies. With the transition of the osseointegration stage, interface engineering strategies have demonstrated varying therapeutic effects. Especially, the activity of osteoblasts runs almost through the entire process of osseointegration, and their physiological activities play a dominant role in bone formation. Furthermore, diseases impacting bone metabolism exacerbate the difficulty of achieving osseointegration. This review aims to assist future research on osseointegration engineering strategies to improve implant‐bone fixation, promote fracture healing, and enhance post‐implantation recovery.

Enhancing Titanium Osteoconductivity by Alkali-Hot Water Treatment

Titanium and its alloys are essential in orthopedic and dental treatments owing to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and superior biocompatibility compared with those of other metals. However, titanium alloys are bioinert. Previous studies have indicated that alkali treatment (AT) is a straightforward method to create a surface oxidization layer on titanium, thereby improving its bioactivity. Herein, alkali-hot water pretreatment was used to enhance the osteoconductivity of titanium and to identify a simple and efficient means of enhancing the interaction between osteoblasts and implants for clinical applications. Commercial pure titanium plates were ground (CP Ti) and subjected to alkali solution and hot water treatments (AWT). Single-process CP Ti specimens were prepared via either AT or hot water treatment (WT). Network-like structural features were observed in the AT specimens and were further refined and densified in the AWT specimens. Water contact angle testing revealed that the hydrophilicity of the titanium specimen (80° for CP Ti) increased by 19° for the AT specimens but decreased by 59° for the AWT specimens. Mouse preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells) were used for in vitro evaluation. After 24 h of culturing, the number of attached MC3T3-E1 cells on the AWT specimens was 1.5 times larger than that on the CP Ti specimens, suggesting that the alkali-hot water treatment enhanced the initial cell attachment. Cell proliferation evaluation indicated that fewer cells were detected in the AT and AWT specimens compared with those in the CP Ti or WT specimens. However, osteogenic differentiation evaluation on day 10 revealed a 1.5-fold higher alkaline phosphatase expression in cells cultured on the AWT specimens than in cells cultured on the CP Ti specimens. These findings demonstrate the good cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity of AWT Ti, highlighting its benefits in orthopedics and dental treatments.

Application of advanced surface modification techniques in titanium-based implants: latest strategies for enhanced antibacterial properties and osseointegration

Titanium-based implants, renowned for their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, have found widespread application as premier implant materials in the medical field. However, as bioinert materials, they often face challenges such as implant failure caused by bacterial infections and inadequate osseointegration post-implantation. Thus, to address these issues, researchers have developed various surface modification techniques to enhance the surface properties and bioactivity of titanium-based implants. This review aims to outline several key surface modification methods for titanium-based implants, including acid etching, sol-gel method, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical techniques, layer-by-layer self-assembly, and chemical grafting. It briefly summarizes the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of these technologies, presenting readers with a comprehensive perspective on the latest advances and trends in the surface modification of titanium-based implants.