In-Vitro Phenotypic Response of Human Osteoblasts to Different Titanium Surface Roughness

Biocompatibility is a material's feature that prevents the development of an immune response, foreign body reaction, and/or rejection when introduced to the human body [14].The primary interaction between any material and the host tissues starts with a thin zone of rapid protein adsorption and the AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to investigate human osteoblasts (HOB) responses towards different titanium (Ti) implant surface roughness.Methods: Four Ti surface roughness degrees were investigated on a micrometer roughness scale: smooth surface (S: 0.08-0.1µm),minimally rough surface (MM: 0.3-0.5µm),moderately rough surface (MR: 1.2-1.4µm),and rough surface (R: 3.3-3.7µm).HOB cells were cultured, expanded, and maintained according to the supplier's protocol.Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were evaluated at day 1, 3, 5, and 10 using Alamar Blue and lactate dehydrogenase colorimetric assays.Data were analysed via two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p = 0.05 for all tests).Results: There was no significant difference in cell proliferation or cytotoxicity of the HOB cells in contact with the different Ti surface roughness degrees.There was however a significant time effect on cell proliferation (p < 0.0001) with different exposure durations, for each roughness degree.Furthermore, a non-significant positive correlation between proliferation and cytotoxicity in all investigated surface roughness degrees was observed.Significance: All investigated roughness degrees showed comparable HOB proliferation with MR surface presenting the highest percentage followed by R, MM, and S, respectively.S surface showed the highest cytotoxic effect on HOB; however, it did not reach the cytotoxic level as suggested by ISO for any medical device to be considered cytotoxic.