Fabrication of micro-patterned titanium dioxide nanotubes thin film and its biocompatibility

In this study, in order to obtain a novel biomaterials surface which possesses the functions of an anticoagulant, inhibiting smooth muscle proliferation and pro-endothelialisation simultaneously, a micro-patterned titanium dioxide (TiO2)-nanotubes (P-TiO2-nanotubes) thin film was prepared on titanium (Ti) surface by photolithography combining with anodising method. The authors found that the P-TiO2-nanotubes could reduce platelet attachment and conformational change of fibrinogen (FGN) as well as promoting endothelial cells (ECs) growth compared with the TiO2-nanotubes. Notably, P-TiO2-nanotubes could significantly reduce smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation compared with TiO2-nanotubes and TiO2, and the ECs and SMCs cultured on the P-TiO2-nanotubes thin film were elongated, which was suggested to be beneficial for maintaining the cell function. Therefore it is suggested that the P-TiO2-nanotubes thin film can contribute more to biocompatible functions of regulating and coordinating the behaviour of platelets, ECs and SMCs.