Effects of BaTiO₃ Piezoelectric Thin Film Coating on Activity of Rat Bone Marrow Cell

Abstract

Osseointegration is important for fixation of implants. It has been reported that the electric charge could activate bone cell. Therefore, it is considered that a piezoelectric thin film coating on implant surface could accelerate cell activity and bone formation. Strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) plates with and without a barium titanate (BaTiO₃) thin film coating were prepared as specimens. BaTiO₃ is a lead-free piezoelectric material. The biocompatibility of these specimens was evaluated by cytotoxicity assay with rat bone marrow cells. Bone marrow cells seeded on surfaces of specimens were cultured in the culture medium supplemented with vitamin C, glycerophosphate and dexamethasone. After the cultivation, cell layer and synthesized matrix on the surface were scraped off, and then measurements of DNA content, ALP activity and Ca content were carried out to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. BaTiO₃ thin film coating didn’t decrease cell proliferation, ALP activity and Ca content. As a result, it was suggested that BaTiO₃ thin film coating could be safely used for implant materials as a novel surface treatment.