Influence of titania nanotopography on human vascular cell functionality and its proliferation in vitro

Surface modification of metallic implants has been suggested as a viable means to alleviate the problems related to late stent restenosis. This work aims to develop an antithrombotic stent surface by appropriate nanosurface modification of biocompatible metallic titanium (Ti) to address these issues. An array of unique, integrated TiO2 nanostructures were developed on a metallic Ti surface using a simple aqueous chemistry technique. The influence of surface nanotopography on the proliferation and functionality of vascular endothelial and smooth muscles cells was investigated in vitro. All nanostructured samples showed significantly enhanced cellular viability and proliferation of endothelial cells, with raised levels of nitric oxide and substantially decreased smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet adhesion in comparison to unmodified Ti. These beneficial effects suggest the potential use of such nanomodifications on metallic Ti as a suitable solution to reduce the probability of late stent thrombosis associated with bare metallic stents.