The use of micromachined surfaces to investigate the cell behavioural factors essential to osseointegration

Abstract

A grooved surface permitted the attachment of more cells than a smooth one. Cell shape and cytoskeleton were strikingly influenced as early as 20 min after cell attachment, when the cytoskeleton begins to align with the topography. Some grooved surfaces appeared to promote osteogenesis in vitro as assessed by the production of bone-like nodules. Moreover, these nodules align with the topography in vitro, and preliminary results indicate that bone-like tissue also aligns with grooves when such surfaces are implanted in vivo.