Effect of O2-plasma treatment on surface characteristics and osteoblast-Like MG-63 cells response of Ti-30Nb-1Fe-1Hf alloy

Abstract

In this study, the effect of O2-plasma treatment with various powers on the surface characteristics and also the cell response of the Ti-30Nb-1Fe-1Hf alloy were investigated. Surface characteristics of Ti-30Nb-1Fe-1Hf alloy were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD) and wettability test. The results show that the surface roughness of the alloy decreases after O2-plasma treatment, and also with increased plasma power. By XPS analyses, both Ti valence states of Ti 2+, Ti3+ and Ti4+ as well as Nb valence states of Nb2+, Nb4+ and Nb5+ can be detected in the oxide films. Also, the concentrations of TiO2 and Nb 2O5 increase with increasing O2-plasma power. The results also show that the contact angle decreases as the alloy is modified by O2-plasma treatment, and therefore, the treated alloys can be expected to be more hydrophilic. On the other hand, for the evaluation of cell response, cell (MG-63) culture was performed. The results show that the oxidation effect on the alloy surface brought about by O2-plasma treatment enhances the spreading of cells. In addition, in vitro tests suggest that cell spreading on Ti-30Nb-1Fe-1Hf alloy is similar to that on Ti-6A1-4V alloy, whereas, cell adhesion on Ti-30Nb-1Fe-1Hf alloy is better than that on Ti-6A1-4V alloy. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.