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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Photopatterning Proteins and Cells in Aqueous Environment Using TiO2 Photocatalysis
Published on: October 26, 2015
Formation of TiO(2) nano-network on titanium surface increases the human cell growth
Chih-Yao Chiang1, Shih-Hwa Chiou, Wei-En Yang
1Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Objectives:
This study was to improve human cell growth on titanium (Ti) used for dental implants through formation of a nano-network surface oxide layer created by an electrochemical anodization treatment.
Methods:
An electrochemical anodization treatment was used to produce a network oxide layer on Ti surface. Surface characterization of the network layer was carried out using thin film X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were made to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) by retroviral transduction. The GFP signal was measured in situ to assess in vitro and in vivo cell growth on Ti surfaces. In vivo experiments on Ti-supported cell growth were carried out on the back skin of nude mice. Alizarin red staining and immunofluorescent staining were used to observe cell differentiation.
Results:
A multilayer TiO(2) nano-network was produced rapidly on Ti surface using a simple electrochemical anodization treatment. The TiO(2) nano-network layer on the anodized Ti surfaces significantly improved in vitro and in vivo hMSC growth, as assessed by measurement of GFP fluorescence, relative to hMSC growth on untreated Ti surface. The TiO(2) nano-network layer on the anodized Ti surfaces can also induce the differentiation of hMSCs after 28-day in vivo test.
Significance:
The formation of TiO(2) nano-network on the Ti surfaces can increase the hMSC growth in vitro and in vivo.
