Bioactivity of novel functionally structured titanium‐ceramic composites in contact with human osteoblasts

: The aim of this study was to analyze the osteogenic cell behavior on the surface of novel functionally graded titanium-based composites containing bioactive ceramics. Titanium grade V discs (8 × 3 mm) embedding gradual content of hydroxyapatite (TiAlV-HA) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (TiAlV-βTCP) were produced by hot-pressing technique. Titanium-ceramic composite discs and Ti grade V (control group) were placed in contact with human osteoblast culture assays. The morphology and adhesion of osteoblasts were inspected by field emission guns scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM) while cell viability was assessed by fluorometric method. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and fluorescent microscopic analyses were used to evaluate mineralization on the test and control discs. FEGSEM images showed cells adhered to Ti6Al4V-ceramic and Ti6Al4V surfaces over a period of 24 h, and therefore, an intense proliferation of osteoblasts and spreading cells was noticed for 7 days. Cell viability increased with time on all the surfaces although TiAlV-βTCP revealed significant higher percentage of cell viability than that recorded for TiAlV-HA (p < 0.01). TiAlV-βTCP also showed the highest hydrophilic character. ALP levels increased on the Ti6Al4V-ceramic surfaces when compared to the control group. Also, a qualitative analysis of mineralization evidenced an increase in mineral content on TiAlV-HA or TiAlV-βTCP groups. Novel functionally graded composites based on Ti grade V and hydroxyapatite or βTCP showed a higher bioactivity in presence of osteoblasts than that recorded on Ti grade V. Also, such functionally graded materials can prevent risks of failures by detachment of bioactive ceramic materials during implant placement. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1923-1931, 2018.