The response of human osteoblasts, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and oral bacteria to nanostructured titanium surfaces: a systematic study

Nanotopography modification is a major focus of interest in current titanium surface design; however, the influence of the nanostructured surface on human cell/bacterium behavior has rarely been systematically evaluated. In this study, a homogeneous nanofiber structure was prepared on a titanium surface (Nano) by alkali-hydrothermal treatment, and the effects of this Nano surface on the behaviors of human MG-63 osteoblasts, human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were evaluated in comparison with a smooth titanium surface (Smooth) by polishing and a micro-rough titanium surface (Micro) by sandblasting and acid etching. In addition, the impacts of these different surface morphologies on human THP-1 macrophage polarization and Streptococcus mutans attachment were also assessed. Our findings showed that the nanostructured surface enhanced the osteogenic activity of MG-63 cells (Nano=Micro. Smooth) at the same time that it improved the attachment of HGECs (Nano. Smooth. Micro) and HGFs (Nano=Micro. Smooth). Furthermore, the surface with nanotexture did not affect macrophage polarization (Nano=Micro= Smooth), but did reduce initial bacterial adhesion (Nano. Smooth. Micro). These results suggest that the nanostructured titanium surface may promote bone and soft tissue healing, and thereby increase the success and survival of dental implants.