Exploring the effects of micro-nano surface topography on MG63 osteoblast-like cell responses: An in vitro study

The osseointegration property of dental and bone implants is a crucial factor for proper healing, and is entirely influenced by the surface characteristics, including surface chemistry and roughness. However, the molecular mechanisms for osteoconductivity remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effective cellular interactions and stimulatory effect of surface topology on the differentiation of osteoblast-like cells using in-vitro cell culture. Three different substrates, including micro (MS), nano (NS), and combined micro-nano structures (MNS), were used to evaluate the interaction between cells and surface topography. The fabricated membranes were characterized with FESEM for pore study and XRD analysis to identify the Aluminum oxide. The cell count significantly decreased for electropolished (EP) and microstructure (MS) substrates. The expression level of osteogenesis-related genes during differentiation, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), type I Collagen (Col-I), and Osteocalcin (OC) was determined by real-time PCR. The results showed that MG63 osteoblast-like cells cultured on the MNS and NS substrates had significantly higher expression levels of these genes than those cultured on the MS. Additionally, flow cytometry results showed that F-actin levels were higher in MG63 cells cultured on NS and MNS substrates than those cultured on MS. The desirable biological response of MG63 cells to MNS substrates suggests that electrochemical anodization after acid etch and powder blasting treatments is a possible process for high-grade osseointegration in-vivo.