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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nano-Matrix with Janus Base Nanotubes and Fibronectin for Stem Cell Adhesion
Published on: May 10, 2020
Ti nano-nodular structuring for bone integration and regeneration
T Ogawa1, L Saruwatari, K Takeuchi
1Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, Biomaterials and Hospital Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668, USA. togawa@dentistry.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Nanostructuring technology has been proven to create unique biological properties in various biomaterials. Here we present a discovered phenomenon of titanium nano-nodular self-assembly that occurs during physical vapor depositions of titanium (Ti) onto specifically conditioned micro-textured titanium surfaces, and test a hypothesis that the Ti nanostructure has the potential to enhance bone-titanium integration. The nanostructure creation effectively provided geometrical undercut and increased the surface area by up to 40% compared with the acid-etched surface with microtopography. Depending on the size control, the nano-nodules can be added without smearing the existing micro-texture, creating a nano-micro-hybrid architecture. Titanium implants with 560-nm nano-nodules produced 3.1 times greater strength of osseointegration than those with an acid-etched surface in a rat femur model. The discovered titanium nano-nodular self-structuring has been proven feasible on biocompatible materials other than titanium, offering new avenues for the development of implant surfaces and other implantable materials for better bone-generative and -regenerative potential.
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