TiO2nanotube stimulate chondrogenic differentiation of limb mesenchymal cells by modulating focal activity

Eun-Heui Jin,Eun-Jung Jin,Dongkyun Kim,Shin-Sung Kang,Jinsoo Song,Sunhyo Kim,Bohm Choi,Seunghan Oh

doi:10.3858/emm.2011.43.8.051

Abstract

Vertically aligned, laterally spaced nanoscale titanium nanotubes were grown on a titanium surface by anodization, and the growth of chondroprogenitors on the resulting surfaces was investigated. Surfaces bearing nanotubes of 70 to 100 nm in diameter were found to trigger the morphological transition to a cortical actin pattern and rounded cell shape (both indicative of chondrocytic differentiation), as well as the up-regulation of type II collagen and integrin beta4 protein expression through the down-regulation of Erk activity. Inhibition of Erk signaling reduced stress fiber formation and induced the transition to the cortical actin pattern in cells cultured on 30-nm-diameter nanotubes, which maintained their fibroblastoid morphologies in the absence of Erk inhibition. Collectively, these results indicate that a titanium-based nanotube surface can support chondrocytic functions among chondroprogenitors, and may therefore be useful for future cartilaginous applications.

Highlights

New developments in nanotechnology are quickly penetrating the fields of basic biology and medicine
The ultimate goal in tissue engineering is to recreate the native architecture to a degree capable of supporting the growth and expansion of progenitor cells, and facilitate their free diffusion and movement throughout the structure
Chitosan is a partially deacetylated product of chitin that has film-forming properties, mimics the natural environment found in the living articular cartilage matrix, and has been shown to help chondrocytes maintain their rounded cell shape when used as a culture substrate (Lahiji et al, 2000; Suh and Matthew, 2000)

Summary

Introduction

New developments in nanotechnology are quickly penetrating the fields of basic biology and medicine. Mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes and express cartilage-specific marker molecules, such as type II collagen and proteoglycans (Benya and Shaffer, 1982; Cancedda et al, 1995). Cells cultured on nanotubes having inner diameters of 70 and 100 nm showed the rounded cells shape and cortical actin organizations characteristic of chondrocytes (Figure 2A, lower panel).

Results

Conclusion