Molybdenum Surface Roughness Modulates Degradation And Biocompatibility

This study investigates the impact of surface roughness on the degradation behavior of molybdenum (Mo) and its biological effects on various cell types, aiming to expand the application potential of degradable Mo in oral implants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), live/dead staining, CCK-8 assay, LDH assay, scratch assay, RT-qPCR, Western blot (WB), pH measurement, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, protein adsorption assay, and contact angle measurement were used for analysis. Sandblasting with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and silicon carbide (SiC) altered the elemental composition of the Mo surface, increasing surface roughness, protein adsorption capacity, contact angle, and the release rate of Mo ions during degradation, with minimal impact on pH. Cell viability remained above 70% after exposure to Mo extracts from surfaces treated with different inorganic metal particles. Increased Mo surface roughness enhanced cell migration and osteogenic activity but had a limited effect on immune regulation. After ruling out the influence of blasting particles on the surface potential of Mo, sandblasting with Al₂O₃ and SiC effectively modified Mo surface roughness, leading to changes in its degradation behavior. These alterations subsequently regulated endothelial cell migration and osteogenic differentiation. This study offers important insights into the feasibility of using degradable Mo in oral implant applications.