Molecular and cellular strategies to improve bone formation at implants

The healing response of biological tissues to the oxide surface is sensitive to the way in which the surface of the implant is made, cleaned and sterilized by the manufacturer. A number of physical & chemical features of the oxide layer influence biological responses to the implants. These include the surface chemistry (oxide composition and thickness) surface energy, and surface topography (size, shape and roughness etc.) Experimental strategies to improve bone formation at implants are largely based on the ability of science to capture through gene cloning and recombinant proteintechnology, growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins that promote osteoblast recruitment, attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. These are used to do or coat the implant surface. In addition, precise physicochemical alteration of implant surfaces can also improve cellular responses.

The cellular basis for bone formation and maintenance of bone mass should be considered in any future synergistic combination of tissue engineering principles and biointegration of alloplastic materials.