Cavitation erosion: an efficient method for promoting osteogenesis of titanium surfaces.

Abstract
Objective: Surface treatments of titanium dental implants may improve osseointegration and reduce the incidence of peri-implantitis. This study provides a new approach for surface modification by utilising the principle of cavitation, which can generate high temperature and pressure with micro-jets acting on the surface.
Methods: Titanium surfaces were treated by cavitation (CAV), and compared with a control group (large-grit acid-etched and sand-blasted; SLA). The microscopic morphology and roughness of the titanium surfaces, as well as their effect on osteoblast and macrophage biocompatibility were measured.
Results: Characteristic cavitation pits were formed on the surface following CAV treatment, and roughness was significantly increased compared to the SLA surface (p<0.05). The CAV treatment not only promoted adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts more effectively, but also facilitated the polarization of macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
Conclusion: An innovative titanium implant surface treatment that utilises the cavitation effect has been developed and demonstrates superior biocompatibility and ability to promote osteogenesis and immunomodulation compared with conventional surface treatment methods.