Plasma treatment to remove titanium surface contaminants and improve implant biocompatibility: an in vitro study

Abstract

Plasma technology is an emerging treatment with potential for implant surface decontamination and surface modification. Our in vitro study evaluates the effects of plasma treatment on fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on titanium surfaces. Plasma treatment was applied to machined and rough-surface titanium discs, and surface characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and hydrophilicity tests. Cell adhesion and proliferation were assessed through SEM imaging, viable cell assays, and immunohistologic staining. Statistical comparisons between control (no plasma) and test (plasma) groups were performed using an independent two-sample t-test (α = 0.05). While SEM imaging showed no significant changes, XPS analysis revealed a substantial reduction (p .001) in carbon content, indicating decreased hydrocarbon buildup. Plasma treatment significantly increased surface hydrophilicity in both machined (p 0.0001) and rough (p 0.0001) surfaces, suggesting potential benefits for implant osseointegration. SEM and IHC imaging of fibroblast and osteoblasts showed a higher prevalence of cells in the test group. Cell viability assays indicated significantly greater live cell attachment in plasma-treated groups for both osteoblasts and fibroblasts at early time points, though the differences were not observed after 12 hours. In conclusion, plasma treatment of titanium surfaces, 1) reduce hydrocarbon buildup, 2) enhances surface hydrophilicity, and 3) improve early-stage fibroblast and osteoblast attachment to titanium surfaces. Further research is needed to explore whether these findings are clinically significant through clinical trials, and whether the technology can be used in the treatment of peri-implant disease.