Regulation of Pre-Osteoblasts Seeded onto Titanium and Zirconia Through Modification by Hydrofluoric Acid and LPS Challenge

Background/Objectives: Surface modifications of implants aim to mimic bone tissue and provide a more suitable environment for cell metabolism. Several modifications have been proposed, and in addition to evaluating the effects of these treatments on cell behaviour, it is also essential to determine the response of these cells to an inflammatory environment. This investigation evaluated the behaviour of murine pre-osteoblasts seeded onto acid-treated titanium and zirconia surfaces subjected to inflammatory challenge. Methods: Discs were manually polished using abrasive paper and then subjected to surface modification by hydrofluoric acid through distinct protocols according to each material. Surface topography and roughness were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ImageJ software (Version 2.16). Then, MC3T3 cells were seeded onto the discs for 24 h and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) (1 μg/mL) for 4 h at 37 °C. The cells were then evaluated for viability, oxidative response, and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results and Conclusions: Both materials were affected by acid treatment, resulting in more irregular topography and increased surface roughness.