Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Surfaces Affect Fibro- and Osteoblasts in Opposite Ways†

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (alumina) with pore diameters from 15 to 40 nm on osteoblasts (hFOB) and fibroblasts (HFF). After 7 days, a significantly higher proliferation of osteoblasts with a regular cell morphology is visible on the 40 nm samples compared to the 15 nm pore diameter (p = 0.003). Fibroblasts, on the other hand, have a significantly higher proliferation rate on the 15 nm pore diameter samples compared to the 40 nm samples (p = 0.000). The pore diameter of AAO affects fibroblasts and osteoblasts in opposite ways and makes it possible to cope in a perfect way with different requirements of cells on the implant surface.