Ion etching for sharp tip features on titanium and the response of cells to these surfaces

Oblique angle ion etching at incidences of 30° and 75° from surface normal were used to produce sharp tipped topographical features on Ti6Al4V alloy. The 30° etching resulted in a random distribution of needles raising ~ 4 μm from the base surface, while needles from the 75° etching laid closer to the surface. The cellular response of these surfaces was evaluated by a weeklong culture of hFOB 1.19 cells. It was shown that the features of the 30° etch prevented cells from spreading while cells on the 75° etched surface displayed preferential elongation in the direction of the needles.

► Oblique angle ion etching produces needle-like features on Ti6Al4V. ► Needle-like formations are uniform, covering the entire etched surface. ► Surfaces etched at 30° incidence inhibited hFOB cell spreading. ► Surfaces etched at 75° incidence resulted in preferential cell elongation.