#Education 25. Jun 2025

Comparative evaluation of osteoblastic cell adhesion on titanium and titanium zirconium alloyed implants using confocal microscopy: An in vitro study

By Ann Mary Varghese, Kurien Varghese, Smita Sara Manoj. A selected scientific recommendation by Dr. Marcin Maj.

STUDY OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the initial osteoblastic cell adhesion at 3 different locations (peak or top, flank, and valley) on the surface of CpTi and Ti-Zr alloy implants. Commercially available Grade IV cpTi and Ti-Zr alloy implants (Ø4.1×16-mm) were tested. Each implant was sectioned into two 4-mm portions above the tapered area. The 20 implant specimens (n=10) thus obtained were categorized into 2 groups: cpTi and Ti-Zr alloy. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured and seeded onto the implant specimens. After 48 hours of incubation, cell adhesion was examined using confocal microscopy and quantified at peak or top, flank, and valley locations with an automated cell counting software program. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-way ANOVA followed by a parameter estimate test (α=.05).

RESULTS

  • The Ti-Zr alloy implant specimens showed significantly higher osteoblastic cell adhesion across all 3 surface locations compared with cpTi implant specimens (P<.05).
  • For both implant types, the valley area demonstrated significantly higher cell adhesion compared with the top and flank areas (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS

Ti-Zr alloyed implant surfaces demonstrated enhanced osteoblastic cell adhesion compared with cpTi surfaces. The implant thread geometry, particularly the valley area, showed the most significant cell adhesion, which may contribute to improved osseointegration.

Adapted from AM Varghese et al., J Prosthet Dent. 2025 May 3:S0022-3913(25)00358-0, for more info about this publication, click HERE.

This review is part of the Straumann "Scientific Highlights Newsletter 3/25".

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