The effect of enamel matrix proteins on the spreading, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts cultured on titanium surfaces

Modifications of implant surface topography and chemistry have proven a means to enhance osseointegration, a process that ensures the stability of bone-contacting devices, including titanium dental implants. The commercial product Emdogain® is an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) extracted from porcine teeth commonly used in periodontal surgery, where it has been shown to potentiate regeneration of bone. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of EMD on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts on titanium surfaces in vitro. Pickled (smooth) and SLA (roughened) titanium discs were coated with EMD or left uncoated. Primary rat calvarial osteoblasts were cultured on each surface from 1 h to 4 weeks. EMD significantly increased cell spreading and proliferation at time points ranging from 3 to 7 days on both topographies. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly increased on EMD-coated titanium compared with titanium alone. Moreover, there was a 6 fold increase in levels of mRNA encoding bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin in osteoblasts cultured on EMD-coated titanium surfaces compared with uncoated surfaces. We conclude that coating of titanium with EMD enhances the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts irrespective of the titanium substratum topography.