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1589509 
Journal Article 
Microscopic observations of osteoblast growth on micro-arc oxidized beta titanium 
Chen, HTe; Chung, C; Yang, TC; Tang, CH; He, JuL 
2013 
Yes 
Applied Surface Science
ISSN: 0169-4332 
266 
73-80 
WOS:000314021100013 
Titanium alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental
implants, owing to their excellent physical properties and biocompatibility. By using the micro-
arc oxidation (MAO), we generated anatase-rich (A-TiO2) and rutile-rich (R-TiO2) titanium dioxide
coatings, individually on beta-Ti alloy, in which the latter achieved an enhanced in vitro and in
vivo performance. Thoroughly elucidating how the osteoblasts interact with TiO2 coatings is of
worthwhile interest. This study adopts the focused ion beam (FIB) to section off the TiO2 coated
samples for further scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM)
observation. The detailed crystal structures of the TiO2 coated specimens are also characterized.
Experimental results indicate osteoblasts adhered more tenaciously and grew conformably with more
lamellipodia extent on the R-TiO2 specimen than on the A-TiO2 and raw beta-Ti specimens. FIB/SEM
cross-sectional images of the cell/TiO2 interface revealed micro gaps between the cell membrane
and contact surface of A-TiO2 specimen, while it was not found on the R-TiO2 specimen.
Additionally, the number of adhered and proliferated cells on the R-TiO2 specimen was visually
greater than the others. Closely examining EDS line scans and elemental mappings of the FIB/TEM
cross-sectional images of the cell/TiO2 interface reveals both the cell body and interior space
of the TiO2 coating contain nitrogen and sulfur (the biological elements in cell). This finding
supports the assumption that osteoblast can grow into the porous structure of TiO2 coatings and
demonstrating that the R-TiO2 coating formed by MAO serves the best for beta-Ti alloys as
orthopedic and dental implants. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 
Micro-arc oxidation (MAO); Titanium dioxide (TiO2); Focus ion beam (FIB); Osteoblast; Microscopic observation