Bionanotechnology: Nanotechnology in the design of better tissue engineering materials

COLL 535

Thomas J. Webster, Jeremiah U. Ejiofor, and Brian C. Ward. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 1296 Potter Building, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Nanophase materials simulate dimensions of components of bone since they possess particle sizes less than 100 nm. Previous studies have demonstrated increased functions of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) on nanophase compared to conventional ceramics, polymers, carbon nanofibers, and composites. However, to date, interactions of osteoblasts on nanophase metals remain a mystery. Thus, the objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate osteoblast function on nanophase metals (specifically, Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo alloys). Results of this study provided evidence of increased osteoblast functions on nanophase compared to conventional metals. Interestingly, osteoblast adhesion occurred preferentially at particle boundaries. Since more particle boundaries are present on nanophase compared to conventional metals, this may be an explanation for the measured increased osteoblast adhesion and subsequent function. Such information coupled with data on nanophase ceramics, polymers, carbon nanofibers, and composites, suggests that nanophase materials should be further considered for bone tissue engineering applications.