RESUMEN
Biomaterials with enhanced biocompatibility are favored in implant studies to improve the outcomes of total joint replacement surgeries. This study tested the hypothesis that nano-structured surfaces for orthopedic applications, produced by the ion beam-assisted deposition method, would enhance osteointegration by altering the expression of bone-associated genes in osteoblasts. The ion beam-assisted deposition technique was employed to deposit nano-films on glass or titanium substrates. The effects of the ion beam-assisted deposition produced surfaces on the human osteosarcoma cell line SAOS-2 at the molecular level were investigated by assays of adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis on coated surfaces versus uncoated cobalt-chrome, as the control. Ion beam-assisted deposition nano-coatings enhanced bone-associated gene expression at initial cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation compared to cobalt-chrome surfaces as assessed by polymerase chain reaction techniques. Increased cell proliferation was observed using a nuclear cell proliferation-associated antigen. Moreover, enhanced cell differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase activity, an indicator of bone formation. In addition, programmed cell death assessed by annexin V staining and flow cytometry was lower on nano-surfaces compared to cobalt-chrome surfaces. Overall, the results indicate that nano-coated surfaces produced by the ion beam-assisted deposition technique for use on implants were superior to orthopedic grade cobalt-chrome in supporting bone cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation and reducing apoptosis. Thus, surface properties altered by the ion beam-assisted deposition technique should enhance bone formation and increase the biocompatibility of bone cell-associated surfaces.