Multiform TiO2 nano-network enhances biological response to titanium surface for dental implant applications

Our objective in this study was to evaluate biological responses to a unique multiform nano-network of TiO₂ on a titanium (Ti) surface for dental implant applications. A novel multiform TiO₂ nano-network was formed on the anodized Ti surface using a simple, rapid electrochemical anodization process. The size of the pores in the nano-network ranged from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were used as a model in this study. The multiform nanostructure, which is on the scale of various biological species, was shown to enhance protein adsorption, cell motility, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and surface bioactivity, as well as stimulate outside-in signals via integrins and the formation of focal adhesion complex. It was also shown to promote hBMSCs toward the osteogenic differentiation pathway and convert the Ti surface from bioinert to bioactive. This is a clear indication that the proposed multilayer TiO₂ nano-network has excellent biocompatibility and surface bioactivity. The bioactive TiO₂ nano-network structure introduced in this study has considerable potential for applications in implant dentistry.