Vasile Pruna

The two step nanotube formation on TiZr as scaffolds for cell growth

Various TiO2 nanotubes on Ti50Zr alloy have been fabricated via a two step anodization method in glycol with 15vol.% H2O and 0.2M NH4F under anodization controlled voltages of 15, 30 and 45V. A new sonication treatment in deionized water with three steps and total sonication time as 1min was performed after the first anodization step in order to remove the oxide layer grown during 2h. The second step of anodization was for 1h and took place at the same conditions. The role of removed layer as a nano-prepatterned surface was evidenced in the formation of highly ordered nanotubular structures and morphological features were analyzed by SEM, AFM and surface wettability. The voltage-controlled anodization leads to various nanoarhitectures, with diameters in between 20 and 80nm. As biological assay, cell culture tests with MG63 cell line originally derived from a human osteosarcoma were performed. A correlation between nanostructure morphological properties as a result of voltage-controlled anodization and cell response was established.

Osteoblast ontogeny and implications for bone pathology: an overview.

Osteoblasts are specialized mesenchyme-derived cells accountable for bone synthesis, remodelling and healing. Differentiation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) towards osteocytes is a multi-step process strictly controlled by various genes, transcription factors and signalling proteins. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the nature of bone-forming osteoblastic cells, highlighting recent data on MSC—osteoblast—osteocyte transformation from a molecular perspective and to discuss osteoblast malfunctions in various bone diseases. We present here the consecutive stages occurring in the differentiation of osteoblasts from MSC, the transcription factors involved and the role of miRNAs in the process. Recent data concerning the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the loss of bone mass and architecture caused by malfunctions in the synthetic activity and metabolism of osteoblasts in osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are discussed. The newly acquired knowledge of the ontogeny of osteoblasts will assist in unravelling the abnormalities taking place during their differentiation and will facilitate the prevention and/or treatment of bone diseases by therapy directed against altered molecules and mechanisms.

In Vitro Biocompatibility of Si Alloyed Multi-Principal Element Carbide Coatings.

In the current study, we have examined the possibility to improve the biocompatibility of the (TiZrNbTaHf)C through replacement of either Ti or Ta by Si. The coatings were deposited on Si and 316L stainless steel substrates by magnetron sputtering in an Ar+CH4 mixed atmosphere and were examined for elemental composition, chemical bonds, surface topography, surface electrical charge and biocompatible characteristics. The net surface charge was evaluated at nano and macroscopic scale by measuring the electrical potential and work function, respectively. The biocompatible tests comprised determination of cell viability and cell attachment to the coated surface. The deposited coatings had C/(metal+Si) ratios close to unity, while a mixture of metallic carbide, free-carbon and oxidized species formed on the film surface. The coatings’ surfaces were smooth and no influence of surface roughness on electrical charge or biocompatibility was found. The biocompatible characteristics correlated well with the electrical potential/work function, suggesting a significant role of surface charge in improving biocompatibility, particularly cell attachment to coatings surface. Replacement of either Ti or Ta by Si in the (TiZrNbTaHf)C coating led to an enhanced surface electrical charge, as well as to superior biocompatible properties, with best results for the (TiZrNbSiHf)C coating.

Characterization of the Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta Alloy for Biomedical Applications. Part 2: Wettability, Tribological Performance and Biocompatibility

The Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy, prepared in a levitation melting furnace, was investigated as a possible candidate for replacing Ti6Al4V alloy in medical applications. The sessile drop method, pin-on-disc and in vitro tests were used to analyze wettability, wear resistance, and biocompatibility of the new alloy. The characteristics of the Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy were assessed in comparison to those of the Ti6Al4V alloy. The Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta system was found to have hydrophilic characteristics with similar contact angle as the Ti6Al4V alloy. In all environments (deionized water, simulated body fluid and Fusayama Meyer artificial saliva), the friction coefficient showed a stable evolution versus sliding distance, being similar for both alloys. On overall, the wear resistance of Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy was lower than that of Ti6Al4V for all testing environments. The Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy exhibited good biocompatibility characteristics at in vitro test compared to Ti6Al4V alloy. The cell viability on Ti-10Nb-10Zr-5Ta surfaces was higher than the one observed on Ti6Al4V samples, regardless the number of days spent in osteoblast-like cells culture. A high degree of cell attachment and spreading was observed on both alloys.