Eleonora Nicolai

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) consist of two-dimensional, positively charged lamellar structures with the ability to host various anions in the interlayer spaces, which grants them unique properties and tunable characteristics. LDHs, a class of versatile inorganic compounds, have recently emerged as promising candidates for enhancing osseointegration. A suitable alkaline microenvironment is thought to be beneficial for stimulating osteoblasts’ differentiation (responsible for bone matrix formation) while suppressing osteoclast generation (responsible for bone matrix disintegration). LDHs are prone to adjusting their alkalinity and thus offering us the chance to study how pH affects cellular behavior. LDHs can indeed modulate the local pH, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress levels, factors that profoundly influence the behavior of osteogenic cells and their interactions with the implant surface. Herein, we deposited Mg–Fe LDH films on titanium substrates for dental implants. The modified Ti substrates was more alkaline in comparison to the bare ones, with a pH higher than 8 after hydrolysis in an aqueous environment.