In Vitro Evaluation of 87.4% DDA Chitosan Coated on Titanium for Local Delivery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Dental implants are widely used for the replacement of missing teeth and have a high success rate, but further enhancement of osseointegration is desired. This enhancement may be achieved through improved vascularization of surrounding bone. The aim of this investigation was to determine the potential of chitosan coatings on titanium to deliver vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to stimulate blood vessel formation and influence the growth and matrix formation of osteoblastic cells in efforts to enhance osseointegration. Chitosan was chemically bonded to titanium via a silane-glutaraldehyde process and loaded with VEGF. The protein, which was released over three days, improved cell survival of HUVECs on the chitosan coatings. Saos-2 bone cell cultures were evaluated for cell growth, expression of ALP, and secretion of osteocalcin and deposition of calcium. VEGF loaded coatings extended the proliferation period of the cells but did not further enhance matrix production in comparison to unloaded chitosan coatings