Enhanced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions on cathodic arc plasma-treated titanium

Wei Zhu1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

George Teel1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Christopher M O’Brien1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Taisen Zhuang1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Michael Keidar1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Lijie Grace Zhang1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA;2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA;3 Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USACorrespondence[email protected]

Abstract

Surface modification of titanium for use in orthopedics has been explored for years; however, an ideal method of integrating titanium with native bone is still required to this day. Since human bone cells directly interact with nanostructured extracellular matrices, one of the most promising methods of improving titanium’s osseointegration involves inducing bio-mimetic nanotopography to enhance cell–implant interaction. In this regard, we explored an approach to functionalize the surface of titanium by depositing a thin film of textured titanium nanoparticles via a cathodic arc discharge plasma. The aim is to improve human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and differentiation and to reduce deleterious effects of more complex surface modification methods. Surface functionalization was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle testing, and specific protein adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy examination demonstrate the deposition of titanium nanoparticles and the surface roughness change after coating. The specific fibronectin adsorption was enhanced on the modified titanium surface that associates with the improved hydrophilicity. MSC adhesion and proliferation were significantly promoted on the nanocoated surface. More importantly, compared to bare titanium, greater production of total protein, deposition of calcium mineral, and synthesis of alkaline phosphatase were observed from MSCs on nanocoated titanium after 21 days. The method described herein presents a promising alternative method for inducing more cell favorable nanosurface for improved orthopedic applications.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Research Award from the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Children’s National (CTSI-CN) and support from the George Washington Institute for Biomedical Engineering (GWIBE). The authors also would like to thank Sydney Butler and Hiwot Kassaye for their assistance with this project.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Enhanced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions on cathodic arc plasma-treated titanium

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Enhanced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions on cathodic arc plasma-treated titanium

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