Nanocrystalline diamond containing hydrogels and coatings for acceleration of osteogenesis

• Published in: Diamond and related materials Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 165 - 169
• Main Authors: Ivanova, L., Popov, C., Kolev, I., Shivachev, B., Karadjov, J., Tarassov, M., Kulisch, W., Reithmaier, J.P., Apostolova, M.D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biomedical applications; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Diamond films; Endothelial progenitor cells; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Materials science; Mechanical and acoustical properties; Nanocrystalline; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Other topics in nanoscale materials and structures; Physical properties of thin films, nonelectronic; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Specific materials; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Biomedical applications; Diamond films; Endothelial progenitor cells; Nanocrystalline; Biotechnology; Endothelial cell; Amorphous thin film; Calcium; Synthetic diamond; Pinning; Nanostructures; Coatings; Fibronectin; Ultrananocrystalline diamond; Biomedical materials; Mineralization; Osteoblast; Medical application; Nanocrystal; Mechanical properties; Adhesion; Composite materials; Adsorption; Morphology; Hydrogel; Tribology
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2010.11.020
• ISSN: 0925-9635

In the present study, we have compared the effects of ultrananocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon composite films (UNCD/a-C) and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) containing hydrogels to support the osteogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) . The course of EPCs osteogenic differentiation was followed 21 days and assayed by measuring cell-associated alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and expression of fibronectin. We found that EPCs were capable to adhere to both surfaces in flattened and elongated morphology. The attachment and spreading on the UNCD/a-C films were faster as compared to the hydrogels containing NCDs (by day 7), and this was connected with the release and adsorption of fibronectin to the surfaces. During the process of EPCs differentiation, the release of fibronectin was favored by hydrogels + NCD (day 21). The formation of calcium nodules, characteristic of osteoblastic mineralization, was detected by Alizarin Red S staining. Differentiation-induced calcium nodules were detected in EPCs growing on both surfaces. The EPCs cultured on hydrogels containing NCD deposited more extracellular calcium in comparison with those on UNCD/a-C films on day 21. These results were consistent with the data about the alkaline phosphatase activity on the same day and verified that an active EPC transformation to osteoblast phenotype occurred on both substrates. Our results could have direct implications in the use of biomaterials in tissue engineering strategies, and this work might be useful for the improvement of the methodologies for substrate preparation (including scaffolds). Thus both surfaces studied could be used for modification of bone implants (bone-anchoring parts of joint prostheses or bone replacements) in order to improve their integration with the surrounding bone tissue, for which improved cell–substrate adhesion is also needed. ► Nanodiamond containing hydrogels and coatings for acceleration of osteogenesis. ► Support of osteogenic differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells. ► Nanodiamonds as biomaterials in tissue engineering strategies.