Preparation of an amino hybrid mesoporous silica-based nanotopography protective coating on a titanium implant surface and evaluation of its osteogenic effect

Abstract

Objective To deposit degradable amino-hybrid mesoporous silica (AHMS) in situ on the surface of titanium nanotube (TNT) and explore its protective effect on nanomorphology and osteogenesis. Methods TNT and TNT@AHMS were sequentially prepared via an anodizing method: the oil-water two-phase method (experimental group) and the acid-etched titanium method [control group (Ti)]. The parameters for synthesis were explored by changing the silicon source dosage ratio (3∶1, 1∶1, 1∶3); the surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM), hydrophilicity was detected by Water Contact Angle Tester, elemental composition was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); nanoindentation test and ultrasonic oscillator were used to observe the morphological holding effect as mechanical strength of TNT@AHMS in vitro; simulated immersion experiments in vitro was used to observe the degradation behavior of the material. the MC3T3-E1 cell line was used to observe the effect of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on the material; and an SD rat femoral implant model and micro-CT were used to verify the protective effect and osseointegration effect of AHMS on TNT morphology. Results The morphologies of TNT and TNT@AHMS were successfully prepared, and the silicon source ratio was 1:3. SEM showed that the titanium nanotubes were uniformly covered with AHMS coating, and the mesoporous pore size was about 4 nm. After AHMS was incorporated, the surface of the material was hydrophilic (12.78°), the presence of amino groups (NH2-) was detected, the material was completely degraded within 12 h in vitro, and the active morphology of the TNT was re-exposed with a cumulative silicon release of 10 ppm. Nanoindentation test showed that TNT@AHMS exhibited more ideal surface mechanical strength. SEM revealed that TNT maintains its own morphology under the protection of AHMS, and the TNT group suffered severe exfoliation. In addition, the early adhesion and proliferation rates, ALP activity, and bone volume fraction of cells on the TNT@AHMS surface 4 weeks after implantation were significantly higher than those in the TNT group. Conclusion By depositing AHMS on the surface of TNT, the nanotopography can be protected. It not only prevents the active base topography from exerting subsequent biological effects but also further endows the material with the ability to promote bone regeneration, laying a foundation for the future development of nanotopography-modified titanium implants.

Keywords

• titanium implant
• mesoporous silicon material
• nanocoating
• amination
• topography induction
• osteoblast
• cell adhesion
• osseointegration