Nanopattern-induced osteogenic differentiation of stem cells - A systematic review.

Abstract

The use of nanotopography to induce cellular responses represents a novel and rapidly growing area of research. Nevertheless, the findings and trends so far are difficult to identify and discuss mostly due to a non-systematic research approach. The present manuscript is providing a systematic review focused on nanopattern-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The coverage of the most relevant aspects including nanopatterns fabrication methods, their effects on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells as well as the related effects on adhesion and cell morphology has enabled an integrated discussion including the potential mechanotransduction mechanisms involved. Furthermore, a clear distinction between the studies that use only surface nanotopographies and the ones that mix nanotopographical features with osteogenic supplements has been made. This delineation is essential for revealing and understanding the role of biomaterial's nanotopography per se on stem cells differentiation based on which novel osteoinductive biomaterials can be developed.