Nitinol surface roughness modulates in vitro cell response: a comparison between fibroblasts and osteoblasts

The purpose of the present in vitro study was to examine the biocompatibility of a nickel–titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy. Human gingival fibroblastic and rat embryo osteoblastic cells were cultured on NiTi discs. The discs were prepared with two surface roughnesses. Cell response to these surfaces was compared for the two types of cells. The comparison was based on an analysis of the cell morphology, adhesion and proliferation rates. Fibronectin labeling by immunofluorescence staining was also performed. For osteoblastic cells, alkaline phosphatase assay was conducted as a function of NiTi surface roughness and for different durations.