Laser surface micro-texturing of Ti-6Al-4V substrates for improved cell integration

Biological behaviour of an implant, such as osseointegration, depends on both the chemical composition and the morphology of the surface of the implant. This paper reports the surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V - which is widely used in implantation - by Nd:YAG (λ = 1064 nm, τ = 100 ns) laser irradiation in order to enhance biointegration. Surface parameters are evaluated in terms contact angle measurement and surface roughness. Biocompatibility of the samples is investigated in vitro by monitoring 2T3 osteoblast cell growth on the samples through MTT assay.