Surface characteristics and bioactivity of minocycline-treated Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

Chemical agents such as minocycline (MC) and citric acid (CA) were suggested in the treatment of contaminated implant surface. In this study, MC-HCl treatment was performed to enhance surface characteristics of titanium alloy surface. The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics and the biocompatibility of Ti-6Al-4V surface treated by MC. Alpha-beta titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) samples were prepared and they were divided into 6 groups according to chemical concentration and treatment time. These groups include 1) group I, non-treated smooth titanium alloy; 2) group II, MC 1.5 mg/mL for 1 hour; 3) group III, MC 1.5 mg/mL for 24 hours; 4) group IV, MC 15 mg/mL for 10 minutes; 5) group V, MC 100 mg/mL for 5 minutes; 6) group VI, pH1 CA for 3 minutes. The analysis of the surface characteristics of MC-treated titanium alloy was executed using scanning electron microscopy, roughness test, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cell adhesion and MTT assay was done using MC3T3 cell. Titanium surfaces treated with MC indicated a more smoothened surface microstructure. For group II and III, the new peaks of rutile TiO2 were found. Group II and V have more basic group of Ti-OH form in XPS. In MTT assay, all MC-treated groups showed significantly higher cell viability compared to control. The surface roughness, crystal structure, surface hydrophilicity, cell viability of smooth titanium surface was improved by MC treatment. Compared with the control experiment and CA-treated group, smooth titanium surface treated with MC showed improved surface characteristics and cell biocompatibility.