Scalable and Tunable 1D/2D Wrinkled MXene Topographies Regulate Osteoimmune Cell Interactions

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Immunology

Background:

• Biomedical implant success relies on balancing bone regeneration and immune response at the interface.
• Surface topography's role in osteoimmune modulation, especially feature size and shape, is underexplored.
• Biochemical features of biomaterials are widely studied, but topographical effects require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate MXene multilayer coatings with engineered nano- and microtopographies.
• To investigate the impact of tunable surface topographies on macrophage polarization and preosteoblast behavior.
• To demonstrate a scalable strategy for coordinating immunomodulation and osteogenesis for implant applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MXene multilayer coatings using layer-by-layer assembly and thermal shrinkage.
• Creation of 1D and 2D wrinkled nano- and microtopographies.
• Assessment of macrophage polarization (M2 phenotype markers) and preosteoblast responses (adhesion, differentiation markers).
• Indirect coculture studies to analyze immune-osteogenic crosstalk.

Main Results:

• 1D microtopographies significantly promoted M2 macrophage polarization (increased CD206, IL-4, IL-10, BMP-2).
• These surfaces enhanced preosteoblast adhesion, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation (increased ALP, calcium deposition, Runx2, OCN).
• Macrophage-derived cytokines positively influenced osteogenesis, confirming synergistic crosstalk.

Conclusions:

• MXene coatings with engineered wrinkled topographies can effectively modulate macrophage polarization and osteoblast behavior.
• This study demonstrates the first use of shape- and size-tuned MXene topography for directing both immunomodulation and osteogenesis.
• The scalable strategy offers a promising platform for developing advanced implant surfaces that integrate immune regulation with tissue regeneration.