Mechanism of cell repellence on quasi-aligned nanowire arrays on Ti alloy

Cell-repelling structures are often required in biosensors, bioelectronics, and drug delivery systems, but the search for satisfactory cell-repelling structures with good biocompatibility and long-term stability is challenging. In this work, two types of quasi-aligned nanowire arrays (QANWA) with different surface chemistry but similar surface topography, namely titanium carbide–carbon core–shell (TiC/C) and titania (TiO2), are fabricated on Ti6Al4V. Both QANWAs inhibit cell adhesion consequently leading to cell apoptosis possibly due to disruption in the adhesion assembly. Other cell functions such as proliferation and differentiation as monitored by extracellular matrix secretion and mineralization are also substantially depressed. The cell-repelling property is related to the nanostructure but independent of the surface chemistry and surface wettability. It is also not related to protein adsorption which is in fact slightly enhanced on the nanowire arrays. The QANWAs can be modified to have a larger loading capacity thereby enhancing the controlled release kinetics in drug delivery applications and to resist protein adsorption resulting in better biosensor performance. This concept which can be readily extended to other types of QANWAs and biomaterials has broad clinical potential.