Effect of photofunctionalization with and without vibration on osseointegration of titanium implants: A comparative in vitro study

Enhancing early cell-implant interaction is vital for successful osseointegration. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of photofunctionalization and low-frequency mechanical vibration on osteoblast cells derived from human placental tissue cultured on titanium surfaces. Following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent, a controlled in vitro experimental study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics in collaboration with a certified cell culture laboratory. Osteoblast cells were isolated and cultured. Titanium implant surface was photofunctionalized using ultraviolet C (UV-C) light (254 nm) for 48 h. Cells were seeded onto the implant surface and divided into three groups: Group 1: Control (untreated titanium), Group 2: UV-treated titanium, and Group 3: UV-treated titanium implant with mechanical vibration (20 Hz for 3 min/day for 3 days) to osteoblast cells. Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay, mineralization via Alizarin Red S staining, and osteogenic gene expression (runt-related transcription factor-2, Alkaline phosphatase, OCN) through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05). The combination of photofunctionalization and mechanical vibration (Group 3) significantly enhanced cell proliferation, mineral deposition, and osteogenic gene expression compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). While photofunctionalization alone improved osteoblast activity, the synergistic application of mechanical vibration further amplified the response. The combination of photofunctionalization and low-frequency vibration significantly enhances the osteogenic response of osteoblast cells to titanium, indicating its potential to improve implant osseointegration.