Response of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to titanium and titanium alloy is dependent on surface roughness and composition

This chapter describes the response of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to titanium and titanium alloy is dependent on surface roughness and composition. The success of an implant is determined by its integration into the tissue surrounding the biomaterial. Surface roughness and composition are considered to influence the properties of adherent cells. The aim of this chapter is to determine the effect of chemical composition and surface roughness of commercially pure titanium (Ti) and Ti-6A1-4V alloy (Ti-A) on MG63 osteoblast-like cells. Surface topography and profile are evaluated by cold field emission scanning electron microscopy and profilometry, while chemical composition was determined using Auger electron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The stimulatory effect of surface roughness on ALPase in isolated cells and the cell layer was more pronounced on the rougher surfaces, with enzyme activity on Ti-R being greater than on Ti-A-R. Osteocalcin production is increased only on the Ti-R surface. Moreover, cell proliferation, differentiation, protein synthesis and local factor production were affected by surface roughness and composition. Enhanced differentiation of cells grown on rough vs. smooth surfaces for both Ti and Ti-A surfaces is indicated by decreased proliferation and increased ALPase and osteocalcin production. Local factor production is also enhanced on rough surfaces, supporting the contention that these cells are more differentiated. Finally, study suggests that surface roughness and composition may play a major role and that the best design for an orthopaedic implant is a pure titanium surface with a rough microtopography.