Osteoblast Cell Response to LIPSS-Modified Ti-Implants

In the present work, the surface of Ti-6Al-7Nb samples was patterned with Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures in order to improve biocompatibility, increase tissue ingrowth and decrease bacterial adhesion and inflammatory response for applications in dental and orthopedic implants. Polished and sandblasted disks 10 mm in diameter were treated generating LIPSS under two different sets of parameters. The surface morphology and chemistry were investigated both by secondary electrons imaging, EDS analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy. Primary rat osteoblast culture (passage 2) was used to assess cell toxicity and biocompatibility. Alamar Blue assay was used to access cell viability and proliferation on day 1, 3 and 7. The difference between cell adhesion on polished and sandblasted surface as well as between polished and LIPSS-modified surface are described and discussed.