In restorative dentistry, the main implants characteristic is the ability to promote the
osseointegration process as the result of interaction between angiogenesis and osteogenesis events.
Onthe other hand, implants cytocompatibility remains a necessary feature for the success of surgery.
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the interaction between human periodontal stem
cells and two different types of titanium surfaces, to verify their cytocompatibility and cell adhesion
ability, and to detect osteogenic and angiogenic markers, trough cell viability assay (MTT), Confocal
Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gene expression
(RT-PCR). The titanium surfaces, machined (CTRL) and dual acid etched (TEST), tested in culture
with human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), were previously treated in two different
ways, in order to evaluate the effects of CTRL and TEST and define the best implant surface.
Furthermore, the average surface roughness (Ra) of both titanium surfaces, CTRL and TEST, has been
assessed through atomic force microscopy (AFM). The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expressions have been analyzed by RT-PCR, WB
analysis, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data evidenced that the different morphology
and topography of the TEST disk increased cell growth, cell adhesion, improved osteogenic and
angiogenic events, as well osseointegration process. For this reason, the TEST surface was more
biocompatible than the CTRL disk surface.