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Optimizing the osteogenicity of nanotopography using block co‐polymer phase separation fabrication techniques
Author(s) -
Maclaine Sarah E.,
Gadhari Neha,
Pugin Raphael,
Meek Robert M. Dominic,
Liley Martha,
Dalby Matthew J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.22076
Subject(s) - nanotopography , fabrication , materials science , polymer , block (permutation group theory) , nanotechnology , phase (matter) , chemistry , composite material , mathematics , organic chemistry , medicine , alternative medicine , geometry , pathology
Both temporary and permanent orthopedic implants have, by default or design, surface chemistry, and topography. There is increasing evidence that controlling nanodisorder can result in increased osteogenesis. Block co‐polymer phase separation can be used to fabricate a nanotopography exhibiting a controlled level of disorder, both reproducibly and cost‐effectively. Two different topographies, produced through the use of block co‐polymer phase separation, were embossed onto the biodegradable thermoplastic, polycaprolactone (PCL). Analysis of the topography itself was undertaken with atomic force microscopy, and the topography's effect on human osteoblasts studied through the use of immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Planar controls had a surface roughness 0.93 nm, and the substrates a high fidelity transfer of a disordered pattern of 14 and 18 nm. Cytoskeletal organization and adhesion, and increased expression of Runx2 were significantly greater on the smallest nanotopography. Expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin protein, and alizarin red staining of bone nodules were greatest on the smallest feature nanopatterns. Highly osteogenic, disordered nanotopographies can be manufactured into thermoplastics in a rapid and cost‐effective way through the use of block co‐polymer phase separation. Osteogenic topographies reproducibly and cost‐effectively produced have a potentially useful application to the fields of implant technology and regenerative orthopedics. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1190–1197, 2012