Translucent Titanium Coating Facilitates Observation of Osteoblast Migration Behavior on a Titanium Surface

Purpose: The appropriate surface composition and topography are crucial for osseointegration of titanium dental implants, and surface properties are known to enhance cell adhesion and promote expression of specific osteoblastic genes. In this study, a translucent titanium coating on glass coverslip (TiGlass) was introduced as a potential tool for direct observation of cell behavior on a titanium surface. Materials and Methods: Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, and atomic force microscopy were performed on TiGlass to provide information about its physical properties. Random migration, osteoblastic gene expression, and immunofluorescence cell staining on TiGlass were also examined and analyzed. Results: The translucent titanium surface offered excellent optical characteristics that facilitated transmitted light observations under an optical microscope, transforming the opaque metal into an observable titanium matrix. Random migration analysis of the primary osteoblasts on TiGlass revealed that the titanium coating enhanced the migration speed of the osteoblasts and significantly shortened the time lag for the initial migration behavior. Further study of osteoblastic gene expression on this smooth titanium surface revealed no significant changes. Co-localization of actin filament and vinculin was found on TiGlass under epifluorescent microscopy. Conclusion: The application of a translucent titanium-coated coverslip in vitro altered the migration pattern of osteoblasts. Collectively, the results suggest that titanium promotes initial adhesion and accelerates osteoblast migration. Keywords: dental implants, osteoblast migration, titanium coating, translucent coating