Nanometer surface roughness increases select osteoblast adhesion on carbon nanofiber compacts

Abstract

Carbon nanofibers have exceptional theoretical mechanical properties (such as low weight-to-strength ratios) that, along with possessing nanoscale fiber dimensions similar to crystalline hydroxyapatite found in bone, suggest strong possibilities for use as an orthopedic/dental implant material. To determine, for the first time, cytocompatibility properties pertinent for bone prosthetic applications, osteoblast (bone-forming cells), fibroblast (cells contributing to callus formation and fibrous encapsulation events that result in implant loosening), chondrocyte (cartilage-forming cells), and smooth muscle cell (for comparison purposes) adhesion were determined on carbon nanofibers in the present in vitro study. Results provided evidence that, compared to conventional carbon fibers, nanometer dimension carbon fibers promoted select osteoblast adhesion. Moreover, adhesion of other cells was not influenced by carbon fiber dimensions. In fact, smooth muscle cell, fibroblast, and chondrocyte adhesion decreased with an increase in either carbon nanofiber surface energy or simultaneous change in carbon nanofiber chemistry. To determine properties that selectively enhanced osteoblast adhesion, similar cell adhesion assays were performed on polymer (specifically, poly-lactic-co-glycolic; PLGA) casts of carbon fiber compacts previously tested. Compared to PLGA casts of conventional carbon fibers, results provided the first evidence of enhanced select osteoblast adhesion on PLGA casts of nanophase carbon fibers. The summation of these results demonstrate that due to a high degree of nanometer surface roughness, carbon fibers with nanometer dimensions may be optimal materials to selectively increase osteoblast adhesion necessary for successful orthopedic/dental implant applications.

Enhanced protein adsorption and cellular adhesion using transparent titanate nanotube thin films made by a simple and inexpensive room temperature process: Application to optical biochips

“…The adhesion of living cells was enhanced by the nanostructured TNT layer, as evidenced by the rapid spreading curves recorded by OWLS and the increased resistance to hydromechanical removal (by washing). The enhancement of cell adhesion is in line with the general observations of cell adhesion being enhanced by rough substrata [65][66][67]. We can exclude any effects of electrostatic interactions between protein and substratum, because at the ionic strength of the medium we used the electrostatic interactions are negligible in comparison with the Lewis acid/base interactions [64].…”

Biocompatibility and Bone Tissue Compatibility of Alumina Ceramics Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes

“…Price et al have made composites of ceramics and carbon nanofibers and reported that the finer surface of the specimens increased the attachment area of osteoblasts, and the number of attached cells increased with an increase in the addition of carbon nanofibers [44,45]. Thus, various arguments have been made regarding the influence of ceramic surface conditions on cell attachment.…”

Analysis of Titania Nanosheet Adsorption Behavior Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor

“…e adsorption of select proteins can in this manner guide the adhesion of cells on the implant material surface, among other capabilities. Various investigations have exhibited improved cell adhesion and multiplication on nanostructured surfaces, with various potential tissue applications, including applications in the bladder, bone, vasculature, and nervous system [32][33][34]. A prior study suggested that TNSs on titanium surfaces facilitate the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow cells and enhance mineralization.…”