Abstract
Osteoblast differentiation can be modulated by variations in order of nanoscale topography. Biopolymers embedded with carbon nanotubes can cause various orders of roughness at the nanoscale and can be used to investigate the dynamics of extracellular matrix interaction with cells. In this study, clear relationship between the response of osteoblasts to integrin receptor activation, their phenotype, and transcription of certain genes on polymer composites embedded with carbon nanotubes was demonstrated. We generated an ultrathin nanocomposite film embedded with carbon nanotubes and observed improved adhesion of pre-osteoblasts, with a subsequent increase in their proliferation. The expression of genes encoding integrin subunits α5, αv, β1, and β3 was significantly upregulated at the early of time-point when cells initially attached to the carbon nanotube/polymer composite. The advantage of ultrathin nanocomposite film for pre-osteoblasts was demonstrated by staining for the cytoskeletal protein vinculin and cell nuclei. The expression of essential transcription factors for osteoblastogenesis, such as Runx2 and Sp7 transcription factor 7 (known as osterix), was upregulated after 7 days. Consequently, the expression of genes that determine osteoblast phenotype, such as alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteocalcin, was accelerated on carbon nanotube embedded polymer matrix after 14 days. In conclusion, the ultrathin nanocomposite film generated various orders of nanoscale topography that triggered processes related to osteoblast bone formation.
Highlights
The physiochemical properties of biomaterials can influence cell adhesion, cell growth, and subsequent cellular differentiation [1,2,3,4]
Surface roughness was increased by embedding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) mixed with medical grade polycarbonate urethane (PCU) as identified by atomic force microscope (AFM) (Figs 1C and 2C)
Our findings indicate that the nanoscale topography of CNT composites promotes osteoblast differentiation to a greater extent than that of the PCU surface (Fig 5C)
Summary
The physiochemical properties of biomaterials can influence cell adhesion, cell growth, and subsequent cellular differentiation [1,2,3,4]. The biochemical, mechanical, and physical properties of an interface can dictate cellular fate. The initial response of transmembrane integrin receptor activation is closely associated with cytoskeleton reorganization and subsequent cellular functions. Genes encoding transcription factors required for osteoblastogenesis and genes that determine the phenotype of osteoblasts are key biomarkers of osteoblast bone-forming processes on biomaterials [5,6].
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