Efecto del número de pasadas de Laser Shock Peening en las interacciones tempranas de preosteoblastos sobre superficies de Ti-6Al-4V

Laser Shock Peening (LSP) is a promising surface modification technique for titanium alloys capable of tailoring surface properties while minimizing chemical modifications. However, the relationship between incremental LSP processing, surface topographical evolution, and early cellular response remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the pass-dependent effects of LSP on the surface characteristics and pre-osteoblastic response of Ti-6Al-4V alloys. Surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), followed by quantitative roughness analysis and statistical evaluation, while biological response was assessed through in vitro viability assays. Surface analyses revealed a non-monotonic roughness evolution associated with the transition from localized deformation to surface homogenization as the number of LSP passes increased. In vitro results showed improved pre-osteoblastic viability on LSP-treated surfaces compared with untreated samples. Qualitative SEM and fluorescence (DAPI) analyses supported these findings, revealing enhanced cell spreading and more homogeneous nuclear distribution on treated surfaces. Together, the results suggest that surface uniformity, rather than maximum roughness, may play an important role in early cell–surface interactions, providing insight into surface-mediated effects relevant to the design of biofunctional implant surfaces.