The purpose of this study was to establish whether UV/ozone (O3) irradiation method can effectively decontaminate hydroxyapatite surfaces, including those modified by the treatment with 30% phosphoric acid solution through morphological and chemical surface analyses (surface roughness, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and wettability), and to evaluate the in vitro response of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells to the modified hydroxyapatite surface decontaminated via this method. The amount of carbon and the contact angle of hydroxyapatite surfaces were significantly decreased by UV/O3 irradiation that lasted for ≥ 5 and ≥ 3 min, respectively (P < 0.01). Additionally, 7-day storage of H3PO4-modified hydroxyapatite surface decontaminated with 5-min irradiation did not affect contact angle values (P > 0.05). MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, differentiation (as assessed by relative ALP and OCN mRNA levels), and mineralisation were significantly promoted on irradiated surfaces (P < 0.05). These findings show that UV/O3 irradiation for ≥ 5 min significantly decontaminated H3PO4-modified hydroxyapatite surface, improved its wettability, and facilitated osteoblast growth and function.
Keywords: Bioengineering; Engineering; Materials science.