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Local and Systemic In Vivo Responses to Osseointegrative Titanium Nanotube Surfaces.
Erin A Baker1,2,3, Mackenzie M Fleischer1, Alexander D Vara1
1Departments of Orthopaedic Research and Surgery, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 3, 2021
Summary
Titanium nanotubes (TiNT) show promise for orthopedic implants, promoting osseointegration. While some aluminum was found in lungs, aligned TiNT surfaces reduced local immune responses in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Orthopedic implants often use surface modifications for osseointegration.
- Concerns exist regarding wear debris and complications from shedding coatings.
- Titanium nanotubes (TiNT) offer a novel surface treatment for enhanced osseointegration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the local and systemic biological responses to two TiNT surface morphologies (aligned and trabecular).
- To assess the potential of TiNT surfaces in promoting osseointegration and their biocompatibility.
- To compare TiNT surfaces against control surfaces in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- In vitro: Rat marrow-derived bone marrow cell attachment and morphology on TiNT surfaces.
- In vivo: Rat intramedullary fixation model with analyses of organ weight, metal ions (ICP-MS), hematology, and histology.
- Characterization of aligned and trabecular TiNT surface morphologies.
Main Results:
- In vitro: Increased cell attachment on TiNT surfaces compared to control.
- In vivo: Greater aluminum levels in lungs for the trabecular TiNT group; no significant hematologic changes.
- Histology revealed no adverse local tissue reactions, with aligned TiNT showing reduced immune cell presence.
Conclusions:
- TiNT surfaces demonstrate good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo.
- Aligned TiNT surfaces may reduce local inflammatory responses around orthopedic implants.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the long-term effects and potential systemic distribution of TiNT.
