Osteoblastic cell behavior to tantalum coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

Tantalum (Ta) coating is expected to improve clinical outcomes of titanium (Ti) dental implants due to its anticorrosion and biocompatibility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ta coating on surface characteristics and osteoblastic cell response of Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface. Radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method was used to develop the Ta coating layer on Ti- 6Al-4V disks. Surface properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical test was performed to evaluate the corrosion behavior. Cell responses were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Ta coating layer was formed with a uniform thickness. In electrochemical test, the passive layer was more uniform and stable in Ta-coating group than Ti-6Al-4V group. Cell morphology showed no difference between Ti-6Al-4V group and Ta-coating group. Ta-coating group showed higher cell proliferation than Ti-6Al-4V group at 1, 3 and 5 days (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in ALP activity level between two groups (p>0.05). These results suggest that Ta coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy could enhance surface properties and early osteogenic responses.