Fabrication of biomolecules coated nanostructured oxide layer to facilitate cell adhesion and proliferation for improving osseointegration

This study was to elucidate the surface characteristics and in vitro cell behaviors of biomedical titanium (Ti) with the biofunctional surface (nanostructured rutile-Ti dioxide (NanoR-TiO₂) layer combined with amino-groups (NH₂) and albumin). Biofunctional surface features were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Immunolabeling with nano-gold particles was used to reflect the expected specific binding of protein on the biofunctional surface. In vitro cell behaviors were evaluated by culturing with mouse pre-osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) at 37 °C in different periods. Analytical results indicated that the sandwich-like (NH₂/NanoR-TiO₂/Ti) layer was formed on the Ti surface after plasma oxidation and polymerization. Immunolabeling analysis results also proved that the albumin can be successfully bonded with NH₂ on NanoR-TiO₂ layer. Moreover, cell morphology observation revealed that the biofunctional surface could potentially facilitate cell adhesion and proliferation. Therefore, the biomedical Ti with the biofunctional surface is a promising biomaterial for dental implant applications.