Bone bonding ability can be examined using in vitro assays. However, conventional approaches use static conditions simulating body fluids without biologically relevant compounds (proteins/growth factors). These features could have a major impact on surface properties, thus we investigated the effect of perfusion and simulated body fluid (SBF) composition of medium on the formation of apatite layer on nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) with modified surfaces. Apatite layer formation in SBF was investigated under three conditions: static, dynamic (perfusion) and dynamic in serum supplemented SBF (S-SBF). It was found that perfusion and protein supplemented media altered results significantly when compared with standard approaches. Adequate media that contained both organic and inorganic phases provided a more accurate model for bone bonding ability testing. It was also confirmed that both plasma modified and ground to a mirror finish (and cleaned) encourage formation of apatite layers in all test conditions, which suggests the positive interaction of the material in bone tissue environment.
