Amorphous TiO2 nano-coating on stainless steel to improve its biological response.
Victor García-PérezKelly M HotchkissPhaedra S Silva-BermúdezMiryam Martínez-HernándezGina Prado-ProneRené Olivares-NavarreteSandra E Rodil-PosadaArgelia Almaguer-FloresPublished in: Biomedical materials (Bristol, England) (2024)
This study delves into the potential of amorphous titanium oxide (aTiO2) nano-coating to enhance various critical aspects of non-Ti-based metallic orthopedic implants. These implants, such as medical-grade stainless steel (SS), are widely used for orthopedic devices that demand high strength and durability. The aTiO2 nano-coating, deposited via magnetron sputtering, is a unique attempt to improve the osteogenesis, the inflammatory response, and to reduce bacterial colonization on SS substrates. 
The study characterized the nanocoated surfaces (SS-a TiO2) in topography, roughness, wettability, and chemical composition. Comparative samples included uncoated SS and sandblasted/acid-etched Ti substrates (Ti). The biological effects were assessed using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and primary murine macrophages. Bacterial tests were carried out with two aerobic pathogens (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) and an anaerobic bacterial consortium representing an oral dental biofilm.
Results from this study provide strong evidence of the positive effects of the aTiO2 nano-coating on SS surfaces. The coating enhanced MSC osteoblastic differentiation and exhibited a response similar to that observed on Ti surfaces. Macrophages cultured on aTiO2 nano-coating and Ti surfaces showed comparable anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Most significantly, a reduction in bacterial colonization across tested species was observed compared to uncoated SS substrates, further supporting the potential of aTiO2 nano-coating in biomedical applications.
The findings underscore the potential of magnetron-sputtering deposition of aTiO2 nano-coating on non-Ti metallic surfaces such as medical-grade SS as a viable strategy to enhance osteoinductive factors and decrease pathogenic bacterial adhesion. This could significantly improve the performance of metallic-based biomedical devices beyond titanium.
Keyphrases
- biofilm formation
- mesenchymal stem cells
- inflammatory response
- healthcare
- endothelial cells
- anti inflammatory
- staphylococcus aureus
- pseudomonas aeruginosa
- escherichia coli
- microbial community
- candida albicans
- human health
- wastewater treatment
- high intensity
- lipopolysaccharide induced
- gram negative
- heavy metals
- vascular smooth muscle cells