eCM (Eur Cell Mater / e Cells & Materials) eCM Open Access Scientific Journal
 ISSN:1473-2262         NLM:100973416 (link)         DOI:10.22203/eCM

2010   Volume No 20 – pages 98-108

Title: The role of surface microtopography in the modulation of osteoblast differentiation

Author: JS Hayes, IM Khan, CW Archer, RG Richards

Address: AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos, Switzerland.

E-mail: jessica.hayes at aofoundation.org

Key Words: Titanium, gene expression, surface modification, osteoblast differentiation, cell morphology

Publication date: July 21st 2010

Abstract: The osteoinductive and conductive capabilities of commercially pure titanium and its alloys is well documented, as is their ability to provide long-term stability for permanent implantable devices. Fracture fixation in paediatric and trauma patients generally requires transient fixation after which the implant becomes redundant and requires removal. Removal can be complicated due to excessive bony over-growth which is encouraged by the standard micro-rough implant surface. We have shown in vivo that removal related morbidity can be significantly reduced with surface polishing, a technique which reduces the micro-roughness of clinically available materials. However, tissue integration at the bone-implant interface requires activation of key regulatory pathways which influences osteoblastic differentiation and maturation therefore we do not believe this effect to be purely mechanical. To elucidate potential mechanisms by which surface polishing exerts its effect on bone regeneration this study assessed in vitro the effect of surface polishing commercially pure titanium on cell growth, morphology and on the regulation of core binding factor 1, osterix, collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin for primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. Results indicate that polishing differentially influences osteoblast differentiation in a surface dependent manner and that these changes are potentially linked to surface dependent morphology, but not to differences in cell proliferation.

Article download: Pages 98-108 (PDF file)
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v020a09