The potential of a surface‐modified titanium implant with tetrapeptide for osseointegration enhancement

In this study, the innovative dip‐coating technique treated titanium (IDCT‐Ti) implant with tetrapeptide Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp (GRGD) coating was investigated for its potential to enhance osseointegration. The L929 fibroblast cells were cultured in different concentrations of the GRGD (1%, 2%, and 5%). The cell viability was assessed through 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐ diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead staining. The surface topography and nano‐indentation were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The hemocompatibility was evaluated via field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, while contact angle analysis was detected by a goniometer. Radiograph evaluation was determined by panoramic imaging. It was found that the cell growth increased and had a survival rate of more than 70% in 1% GRGD. The mortality of L929 increased with the higher concentration of GRGD. The IDCT‐Ti coated with 1% GRGD showed a nano‐surface with a Young’s modulus that was similar to human cortical bone, and it displayed greater red blood cell accumulations with abundant fibrin formation. As regards the wettability, the IDCT‐Ti coated with 1% GRGD was lower than the SLA (sandblasted, large‐grit, and acid‐etched) treated implant. The X‐ray image exhibited no bone loss around the implant at six months after placement. As a result, this study suggests that the IDCT‐Ti implant, coated with 1% GRGD, has a tremendous likeliness to enhance osseointegration.