Ni and TiO₂ nanoparticles cause adhesion and cytoskeletal changes in human osteoblasts

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Titanium-based alloys are vital in implantology.
• Material degradation releases titanium dioxide (TiO2) and nickel (Ni) nanoparticles.
• Understanding nanoparticle effects on bone cells is crucial for implant longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of 100 nm TiO2 and Ni nanoparticles on human physiological and osteoarthritic osteoblasts.
• To analyze changes in cytoskeletal proteins (actin, tubulin) and gene expression (FAK, ICAM-1).

Main Methods:

• Exposure of osteoblast cell lines to 1.5 ng/mL TiO2 and Ni nanoparticles.
• Assessment of cell size, actin expression, tubulin expression, and gene expression levels.
• Utilizing techniques to quantify cytoskeletal and adhesive protein changes.

Main Results:

• Nickel nanoparticles decreased cell size and actin expression in physiological osteoblasts.
• TiO2 nanoparticles increased cell size and actin expression in both osteoblast types.
• Both nanoparticle types upregulated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene expression.

Conclusions:

• Ni and TiO2 nanoparticles significantly alter human osteoblast cytoskeleton and adhesion.
• Osteoarthritic osteoblasts show particular sensitivity to these nanoparticle-induced changes.
• Findings highlight the importance of nanoparticle-induced cellular responses in implant material performance.