Nanorod diameter modulated osteogenic activity of hierarchical micropore/nanorod-patterned coatings via a Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Hierarchical micropore/nanorod-patterned strontium doped hydroxyapatite (Ca9Sr1(PO4)6(OH)2, Sr1-HA) structures (MNRs) with different nanorod diameters of about 30, 70 and 150 nm were coated on Titanium. Compared to micropore/nanogranule-patterned Sr1-HA coating (MNG), MNRs dramatically enhanced in vitro mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, attachment, spreading, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation as well as in vivo contact osteogenesis and integration related to the nanorod diameter with about 70 nm displaying the best effects, which is attributed to the focal adhesion formation favoring effect and the related mechanotransduction. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the MNRs induced indirect mechanotransduction.808