Investigating the biological response of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium surfaces

We have investigated the behaviour of a newly characterised population of haemarthrosis fluid-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (HF-hMSCs) with titanium (Ti) surfaces.

HF-hMSCs were seeded onto round cannulated interference (RCI; Smith and Nephew) screws or control Ti discs and cultured under pro-osteogenic conditions.

Electron microscopy showed the attachment and spreading of HF-hMSCs across both Ti surfaces during the early stages of osteogenic culture; however, cells were exclusively localised to the basal regions within the vertex of the Ti screws. In the later stages of culture, an osteoid matrix was deposited on the Ti surfaces with progressive culture expansion and matrix deposition up the sides and the top of the Ti Screws. Quantification of cellular content revealed a significantly higher number of cells within the Ti screw cultures; however, there was no difference in the cellular health. Conversely, alizarin red staining used as both a qualitative and quantitative measure of matrix calcification was significantly increased in Ti disc cultures compared to those of Ti screws.

Our results suggest that the gross topography of the metal implant is able to create microenvironment niches that have an influence on cellular behaviour. These results have implications for the design of advanced tissue engineering strategies that seek to use cellular material to enhance biological remodelling and healing following tissue reconstruction.