β-Ta₂O₅ thin film for implant surface modification triggers superior anti-corrosion performance and cytocompatibility of titanium

In this study, β-tantalum oxide (β-Ta₂O₅) thin film was synthesized via magnetron sputtering to improve the surface properties, cytocompatibility and electrochemical stability of titanium. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a crystalline orthorhombic phase of Ta₂O₅ film on the β-Ta₂O₅ experimental surface. A granular structure with a complex and hierarchical nature was demonstrated by atomic force microscopy. Ta₂O₅-treated surfaces exhibited greater roughness and hydrophilicity compared with untreated titanium discs (control). Enhanced electrochemical stability in simulated body fluid (pH 7.4) was noted for Ta₂O₅-treated surfaces wherein higher values of charge transfer resistance, nobler corrosion potential, and lower capacitance, corrosion current density, and corrosion rate values were observed vs untreated control. Real-time monitoring of albumin and fibrinogen proteins adsorption by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance disclosed similar protein interactions for control and Ta₂O₅-treated discs, with higher fibrinogen adsorption rates for Ta₂O₅-treated surfaces. Cell culture assays (MC3T3-E1 cells) demonstrated that Ta₂O₅-treated discs featured greater in vitro mineral nodule formation, normal cell morphology and spreading, and increased mRNA levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin (Ocn), and collagen-1 (Col-1). Therefore, it can be concluded that β-Ta₂O₅ thin films may be considered a promising strategy to trigger superior long-term stability and biological properties of titanium implants.