Attachment of Human Osteoblasts on Carbon-Infiltrated Carbon Nanotubes Versus Medical Grade Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Finding optimal attachment of human bone cells to artificial implants is pertinent research in order to develop functional implants that will last a lifetime for patients. Carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CICNT) are being researched as a potential implant surface due to their antibacterial properties. However, little research has been done into whether they are a compatible surface for the growth of bone cells. Human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) were used as experimental cells to test adaptation on implant surfaces. Medical grade titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) was tested either as a bare surface or coated with CICNT. A luminescent ATP assay was used to quantify the growth of the bone cells on both materials. A standard curve was developed to correlate the luminescent signal from ATP release to the number of cells present. Data showed that fewer cells were present on both the bare titanium chips and the CICNT chips per unit area than the cells that grew on the plastic well around the chips. Both materials supported a certain level of cell growth, but the titanium chips supported more cells per unit area than the CICNT coated chips. This data provides insight as to the biocompatibility of a CICNT surface coating for medical implants.