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Expanding Nanopatterned Substrates Using Stitch Technique for Nanotopographical Modulation of Cell Behavior
Published on: December 8, 2016
Optimizing the osteogenicity of nanotopography using block co-polymer phase separation fabrication techniques
Sarah E Maclaine1, Neha Gadhari, Raphael Pugin
1Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK. sarahmaclaine@fsmail.net
Controlling nanometer-scale surface disorder on orthopedic implants enhances bone growth. This study demonstrates a cost-effective method using block co-polymers to create optimal nanotopographies for improved osteogenesis in regenerative orthopedics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Orthopedic implants possess inherent surface characteristics that influence biological responses.
- Emerging evidence suggests that controlled nanometer-scale surface disorder can promote osteogenesis, the process of bone formation.
- Current methods for fabricating specific nanotopographies can be complex and expensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the osteogenic potential of disordered nanotopographies fabricated using block co-polymer phase separation.
- To assess the effect of specific nanotopographies on human osteoblast behavior and bone nodule formation.
- To establish a reproducible and cost-effective method for creating osteogenic surfaces for orthopedic applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of two distinct nanotopographies on polycaprolactone (PCL) using block co-polymer phase separation.
- Characterization of surface topography using atomic force microscopy.
- Evaluation of human osteoblast response, including cytoskeletal organization, adhesion, gene expression (Runx2), and protein expression (osteopontin, osteocalcin), via immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- Nanopatterned substrates exhibited a high-fidelity transfer of disordered patterns (14 and 18 nm) compared to planar controls (0.93 nm roughness).
- Significantly enhanced cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, and Runx2 expression were observed on the smaller nanotopography.
- Greatest expression of osteogenic proteins (osteopontin, osteocalcin) and bone nodule formation (alizarin red staining) occurred on the smallest feature nanopatterns.
Conclusions:
- Disordered nanotopographies can be rapidly and affordably manufactured in thermoplastics via block co-polymer phase separation.
- The developed method reproducibly generates osteogenic nanotopographies.
- These findings hold significant potential for advancing implant technology and regenerative orthopedics.
