Selective Cell Control by Surface Structuring for Orthopedic Applications

In this work we present an in vitro study of the influence of two types of femtosecond laser generated topographies on a titanium surface - grooves with different periodicities and lotus-like structures - on the behavior of human fibroblast and MG-63 osteoblast cells. We show that anisotropy in wetting of groove structures correlates well with contact guidance of cells. The lotus-like structured titanium surfaces show superhydrophobic properties and influence differentially osteoblast and fibroblast adhesion and growth. The proliferation of fibroblast cells is inhibited, whereas the proliferation of osteoblast cells is promoted. This technique for cell specific control offers promising perspectives in fabrication of new functionalized implants. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010