Abstract
Nanotopographical cues on Ti have been shown to elicit different cell responses such as cell differentiation and selective growth. Bone remodelling is a constant process requiring specific cues for optimal bone growth and implant fixation. Moreover, biofilm formation and the resulting infection on surgical implants is a major issue. Our aim is to identify nanopatterns on Ti surfaces that would be optimal for both bone remodelling and for reducing risk of bacterial infection. Primary human osteoblast/osteoclast co-cultures were seeded onto Ti substrates with TiO2 nanowires grown under alkaline conditions at 240 °C for different times (2, 2.5 or 3 h). Cell growth and behaviour was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), immunofluorescence microscopy, histochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR methods. Bacterial colonisation of the nanowire surfaces was also assessed by confocal microscopy and SEM. From the three surfaces tested the 2 h nanowire surface supported osteoblast and to a lesser extent osteoclast growth and differentiation. At the same time bacterial viability was reduced. Hence the 2 h surface provided optimal bone remodeling in vitro conditions while reducing infection risk, making it a favourable candidate for future implant surfaces.