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Abstract
Select functions of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) on nanophase (materials with
grain sizes less than 100 nm) alumina, titania, and hydroxyapatite (HA) were investigated
using in vitro cellular models. Compared to conventional ceramics, surface occupancy
of osteoblast colonies was significantly less on all nanophase ceramics tested in
the present study after 4 and 6 days of culture. Osteoblast proliferation was significantly
greater on nanophase alumina, titania, and HA than on conventional formulations of
the same ceramic after 3 and 5 days. More importantly, compared to conventional ceramics,
synthesis of alkaline phosphatase and deposition of calcium-containing mineral was
significantly greater by osteoblasts cultured on nanophase than on conventional ceramics
after 21 and 28 days. The results of the present study provided the first evidence
of enhanced long-term (on the order of days to weeks) functions of osteoblasts cultured
on nanophase ceramics; in this manner, nanophase ceramics clearly represent a unique
and promising class of orthopaedic/dental implant formulations with improved osseointegrative
properties.