MC3T3-E1 osteoblast adhesion to laser induced hydroxyapatite coating on Ti alloy

An in vitro cell study evaluating cell adhesion to hydroxyapatite (HA) coated prosthetic Ti-6Al4V alloy via laser treatment is presented in comparison with uncoated alloy. Based on our previous in vitro biocompatibility study, which demonstrated higher cell attachment and proliferation with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells, the present investigation aims to reveal the effect of laser coating Ti alloy with HA on the adhesion strength of bone-forming cells against centrifugal forces. Remaining cells on different substrates after centrifugation were visualized using fluorescent staining. Semi-quantifications on the numbers of cells were conducted based on fluorescent images, which demonstrated higher numbers of cells retained on HA laser treated substrates post centrifugation. The results indicate potential increase in the normalized maximum force required to displace cells from HA coated surfaces versus uncoated control surface. The possible mechanisms that govern the enhancing effect were discussed, including surface roughness, chemistry, wettability, and protein adsorption. The improvement in cell adhesion through laser treatment with a biomimetic coating could be useful in reducing tissue damage at the prosthetic to bone junction and minimizing the loosening of prosthetics over time.