Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Objective This study evaluated the osteogenic potential of porous NiTi dental implants fabricated via metal injection moulding (MIM) and investigated the associated nickel ion release behaviour. Methods Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on porous NiTi implants, machined NiTi, and Ti6Al4V surfaces. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralisation were assessed at predetermined time points. Nickel ion release was quantified over 21 days. Results Porous NiTi surfaces demonstrated significantly enhanced cell proliferation, and mineralised matrix formation compared with machined NiTi and Ti6Al4V controls (p < 0.05). Whereas ALP activity was higher in porous NiTi, but not statistically different. Nickel ion release showed a transient increase during the early culture period, peaking on day 14 and then declining. Conclusion Porous NiTi implants fabricated via MIM support osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs while exhibiting controlled, transient nickel ion release. These findings suggest that porous NiTi structures may provide a favourable surface environment for bone integration and hold promise as alternative biomaterials for dental implant applications.</p>