TUNING TITANIUM SURFACE PROPERTIES VIA ΜPPEO FOR IMPROVED OSSEOINTEGRATION AND CELL ADHESION
porous surface; dental implants; PEO; cell adhesion; bioactive surface; titanium
This study investigates a novel approach utilizing micro pulses in plasma electrolytic oxidation (μPPEO) to enhance control over the Ca/P ratio, anatase/rutile phase formation, and porosity of titanium surfaces, which are important to bioactivity. By employing electrical micro pulses with widths of 50 μs or 100 μs, our aim was to restrict discharge time and subsequent surface/electrolyte reactions. Results demonstrate that μPPEO-treated surfaces exhibit uniform pore diameters, Ca/P ratio approximately 1.67 and better control of anatase/rutile formation. The μPPEO treatment successfully produced hydrophilic surfaces, with the 6Ti50 sample displaying the highest polar component of surface energy. Notably, this sample was the only one to support cell viability comparable to that of the polystyrene surface on the 24-well plate, emphasizing its strong potential for clinical applications. Across all treated surfaces, OFCOL osteoblasts displayed a spindle-like morphology with elongated filopodia, suggesting favorable cell interaction and adaptability to the treated surfaces. This study underscores the promise of PPEO as a valuable technique for biomedical applications, particularly in controlling and optimizing dental implant surfaces.