Effects of alkaline treatment for fibroblastic adhesion on titanium

Abstract

Background: The surface energy of titanium (Ti) implants is very important when determining

hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, which is vital in osseointegration. The purpose of this study was to determine how Ti plates with an alkaline treatment (NaOH) affect the adhesion and proliferation

of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF).

Materials and Methods: In vitro experimental study was carried out. Type 1 commercially pure

Ti plates were analyzed with atomic force microscopy to evaluate surface roughness. The plates

were treated ultrasonically with NaOH at 5 M (pH 13.7) for 45 s. HPLF previously established from

periodontal tissue was inoculated on the treated Ti plates. The adhered and proliferated viable cell

numbers were determined using the 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide

method for 60 min and 24 h, respectively. The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests and

multiple comparisons of the Mann–Whitney U‑test, P value was fixed at 0.05.

Results: The mean roughness values equaled 0.04 μm with an almost flat surface and some grooves. The alkaline treatment of Ti plates caused significantly (P < 0.05) more pronounced HPLF adhesion

and proliferation compared to untreated Ti plates.

Conclusion: The treatment of Ti plates with NaOH enhances cell adhesion and the proliferation of HPLF cells. Clinically, the alkaline treatment of Ti‑based implants could be an option to improve and accelerate osseointegration.

Key Words: Cells, periodontal ligament, sodium hydroxide, titanium, wettability