Quantitative assessment of the response of primary derived human osteoblasts and macrophages to a range of nanotopography surfaces in a single culture model in vitro

The effect of nanotopography on a range of Ti oxide surfaces was determined. Flat Ti, 3%, 19%, 30% and 43% topography densities of 110 nm high hemispherical protrusions were cultured in contact with primary derived human macrophages and osteoblasts in single culture models. Prior to introduction of the test substrate the phenotype and optimum conditions for in vitro cell culture were established. The cellular response was investigated and quantified by assessments of cytoskeletal development and orientation, viable cell adhesion, cytokine production and release and RT-PCR analysis of osteogenic markers. The tested nanotopographies did not have a statistically significant effect on viable cell adhesion and subsequent cytoskeletal formation. Surface chemistry was the dominant factor as established via incorporation of a tissue culture polystyrene, TCPS, control. The topography surfaces induced a release of chemotactic macrophage activation agents at 1 day in conjunction with stress fibre formation and a subsequent fibronectin network formation. Osteoblasts migrated away from the topography surfaces to the exposed TCPS within the wells during the 7-day period.