Abstract
BACKGROUND: In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that metallic implants coated with nano hydroxyapatite (HA) reduce the time needed for complete osseointegration compared to metallic implants coated with conventional or micron-sized HA. Moreover, due to their biologically inspired nanometer dimensions, amphiphilic peptide nanoparticles (APNPs) can also promote osteoblast attachment and enhance other cell functions if used as a coating material. Coatings made of HA and APNPs could improve osteoblast functions, but have never been tested. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to prepare coatings of nanocrystalline HA and APNPs on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) coatings in order to improve osteoblast (bone-forming cells) adhesion and cell density. METHODS: HA was synthesized by a wet chemical process. Coatings were synthesized with different conditions and components. RESULTS: X-ray diffraction infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction showed that nanocrystalline HA was synthesized with an expected nano size and shape distribution but with low impurities. pHEMA hydrogels with HA and APNPs increased osteoblast densities after 3 days compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Since cell proliferation is a prerequisite function for bone formation, these results imply that the current materials should be tested for a wide range of orthopedic applications.