Biomimetic mineralized collagen-functionalized microporous titanium alloy interface enhances osseointegration by regulating osteogenic microenvironment

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.11.016

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we aimed to overcome poor osseointegration at the implant-bone interface by engineering a bioactive interface using the polymer-induced liquid precursor strategy. By systematically modulating mineralization parameters, we constructed biomimetic mineralized collagen (BMC)-modified interfaces on 3D porous titanium alloy implants. The optimized composite interface exhibited homogeneous mineralized collagen distribution and significantly enhanced physicochemical properties, including a 32° reduction in water contact angle, along with 1.6- and 1.4-fold increases in histone and albumin adsorption, respectively. These modifications promoted cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by 1.8-fold higher mineral deposition, 2.4-fold elevated ALP activity, and upregulated ALP, RUNX-2, BMP-2, and Col I expression. In a rabbit femoral condyle defect model, the BMC-modified interface upregulated osteogenesis-related genes (RUNX-2, ALP, and BMP-2) and increased the mineral apposition rate by 33%. It also enhanced new bone volume within the implant by 55%, improved bone formation in defect regions by 38%, and increased interfacial bonding strength by 2.8-fold. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and demonstrate the clinical potential of this strategy for next-generation biofunctionalized orthopedic implants.

Key words: Biomimetic mineralized collagen, 3D microporous titanium alloy implant, Osseointegration, Osteogenic microenvironment

Xiujie Zhu, Yao Wang, Chenyu Wang, Jincheng Wang, He Liu, Haotian Bai. Biomimetic mineralized collagen-functionalized microporous titanium alloy interface enhances osseointegration by regulating osteogenic microenvironment[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2026, 269: 138-151.

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