Cell reactions to microstructured implant surfaces

Cells are capable of reacting to a variety of differently patterned substrates. A number of hypotheses have already emerged to explain cell orientation and directed migration. It seems likely that no single hypothesis is able to explain in detail the behavior of cells that produce contact guidance. Understanding the mechanisms that influence the behavior of cells on microstructured surfaces could help to optimize the surface of future implants. A processing scheme has been developed for fabricating accurately structured Araldite replicas with titanium coating serving as implant imitates suitable for cross-sectioning. Using electron microscopy and immunogold labeling it could be shown that focal contacts of human gingival fibroblasts are formed at the walls and even at the bottom of grooves as narrow as 2 mum and as deep as 2.5 mum. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.