MC3T3-E1 cell response of amorphous phase/TiO2 nanocrystal composite coating prepared by microarc oxidation on titanium

• Amorphous phase/TiO2 nanocrystal (APTN) composite coatings were fabricated.
• The MC3T3-E1 cell response of the APTN coatings was evaluated.
• The APTN coatings greatly enhanced the cell proliferation ability.

Bioactive amorphous phase/TiO2 nanocrystal (APTN) composite coatings were fabricated by microarc oxidation (MAO) on Ti. The APTN coatings are composed of much amorphous phase with Si, Na, Ca, Ti and O elements and a few TiO2 nanocrystals. With increasing applied voltage, the micropore density of the APTN coating decreases and the micropore size of the APTN coating increases. The results indicate that less MC3T3-E1 cells attach on the APTN coatings as compared to Ti. However, the APTN coatings greatly enhance the cell proliferation ability and the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The amorphous phase and the concentrations of the released Ca and Si from the APTN coatings during cell culture have significant effects on the cell response.