In vitro and in vivo mineralization and osseointegration of nanostructured Ti6Al4V

Surface characteristics of the orthopedic implants remarkably affect the corresponding biological responses. In this study, Ti6Al4V alloy was subjected to the surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) in order to achieve favorable surface properties. The SMAT substrates exhibited a highly hydrophilic surface with nanograins about 20–40 nm. Then, the in vitro and in vivo mineralizations were evaluated on the untreated and SMAT processed substrates. The in vitro experimental results showed a significant increase in the deposition of calcium-containing minerals on the SMAT surface both with and without osteoblasts. The in vivo experiments also revealed a higher bone mineral apposition on the SMAT processed implants after 8 and 12 weeks post operation. The well-organized bone formation on the SMAT substrates indicated an enhanced osseointegration on the bone-implant interface. Therefore, it was suggested that the obvious improvements of biomineralization and osseointegration were attributed to the nanostructure features on the SMAT surface, as well as the higher surface hydrophilicity.