Biocompatibility of TiO2 nanotubes fabricated on Ti using different surfactant additives in electrolyte

This study examined the in vitro cell-material interactions on four different types of titanium surfaces: a polished Ti surface, TiO2 nanotube surfaces fabricated in a fluorinated glycerol solution (TN), fluorinated glycerol solution with 1 wt% anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (TN-SDS), and fluorinated glycerol solution with 1 wt% cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TN-CTAB), respectively. The surfaces exhibited distinct surface morphologies and geometrical features. Surface energy calculation shows that TN surface enhances the hydrophilic character by significantly increasing the surface energy. The osteoblast cell growth behavior on the four different surfaces was examined using the MC3T3-E1 cell line for 1 day. When the anodized surfaces were compared for the cell-materials interaction, each of the surfaces showed different properties that affected the cell–material interactions. Proliferation of the cells was noticed with distinctive cell-to-cell attachment on the TN surfaces. Good cellular adhesion with extracellular matrix extensions between the cells was noticed in the TN samples. The TiO2 nanotubes grown in the surfactant-assisted fluorinated electrolyte did not show significant cell growth on the surface and some cell death was observed. The cell adhesion, differentiation and alkaline phosphatase activity were more pronounced on the TN surface. The MTT assays also revealed an increase in living cell density and proliferation on the TN surfaces. Overall, a rough surface morphology and surface energy are important factors for better cell material interactions.

► Surfactant in the electrolyte played important role in geometrical feature of titania nanotube.
► Geometrical features of fabricated TiO2 nanotubes played significant role for cell materials interaction.
► Rough surface morphology and high surface energy are important factors for better cell material interactions.