The nature of the implant surface can directly influence cellular response, ultimately affecting the rate and quality of new bone tissue formation. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate if human osteoblast-like cells, Saos-2, would respond differently when plated on disks of magnesium titanate and machined titanium.

Magnesium titanate disks were prepared using Micro Arc Oxidation(MAO) methods. Control samples were machined commercially pure titanium disks. The cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation were evaluated by measuring cell number, and alkaline phosphatase(ALPase) activity at 1 day and 6 day after plating on the titanium disks. Measurement of cell number and ALPase activity in Saos-2 cells at 1 day did not demonstrate any difference between machined titanium and magnesium titanate. When compared to machined titanium disks, the number of cells was reduced on the magnesium titanate disks at 6 day, while ALPase activity was more pronounced on the magnesium titanate.

Enhanced differentiation of cells grown on magnesium titanate samples was indicated by decreased cell proliferation and increased ALPase activity.