L929 cell adhesion on the surface oxidized NiTi shape memory alloy

Oxide film was obtained on a NiTi shape memory alloy by a chemical method. In vitro bioactivity of the oxidized NiTi shape memory alloy was studied. Cell culture showed that both non-oxidized and oxidized NiTi shape memory alloy did not have cell toxicity while the oxidized displayed higher cell viability. More L929 cells were found to adhere and proliferate on the oxidized samples surface than that on the non-oxidized. Cell number increased slowly for the test alloy samples'. Oxidized NiTi shape memory alloy possesses equal cell-activating properties to the pure titanium. More intercellular substance was observed for the cells on the oxidized NiTi alloy. The oxidized NiTi alloy shows better cell response than the non-oxidized. Surface oxidation improves the bioactivity of NiTi shape memory alloy.