An investigation of the effect of surface characterization on Saos-2 cell proliferation after coating of titanium alloy surfaces by a selective laser melting process

Pure titanium alloys are commonly employed in construction of dental implants, given their advantageous features including resistance to corrosion, mechanical strength, flexibility, and bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics of Ti6Al4V alloy disks upon sand-blasted, large-grit acid-etching, and/or selective laser melting applications and to assess whether and how these surface modifications affect the attachment, viability, metabolic activity, and osteoblastic differentiation of Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. We manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy disks and divided them into four groups (non-treated, SLA-treated, Ti6Al4V ELI alloy-coated (SLM treated), and SLM+SLA-treated). The topographic analysis was carried using AFM and SEM and chemical content was evaluated by EDX. EDS. Adherence and viability of Saos-2 cells seeded onto disks were investigated via SEM and fluorescent microscopy. To assess the metabolic activity of Saos-2 cells, MTT assay was conducted and the osteoblastic differentiation interpreted via monitoring alkaline phosphatase activity. According to data acquired using AFM and SEM, the control group had the smoothest surfaces, with a lower Ra value. The roughest surface was obtained with SLM and SLA dual-treated disks. The osteoblastic activity of Saos-2 cells on the surface of dual-treated disks was higher than the other groups. Therefore, the surface of SLM+SLA-treated disks conferred a suitable environment for Saos-2 cells to adhere, proliferate, and show higher metabolic activity. We concluded that Ti6Al4V alloy disks covered with Ti6Al4V ELI alloy and subjected to SLA surface treatment may be promising to manufacture dental implants with improved adaptability, bioavailability, and osseointegration.