The Influence of Plastic Deformation Mechanisms on the Adhesion Behavior and Collagen Formation in Osteoblast Cells

In many of biomedical applications, the implant might get in direct contact with the bone tissue where the osteogenesis needs to be stimulated. If osteoblasts can not successfully attach on the implant surface, the bone might resorb and implant can fail. In the current study MC3T3 cells were cultured on the 316L stainless steel samples which were deformed up to four different strain levels (5, 15, 25 and 35%) to activate plastic deformation mechanisms (slip and twinning) in different volume fractions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that cells adhered and spread significantly on the 25 and 35% deformed samples owing to the greater surface roughness and energy provided by the increased density of micro-deformation mechanisms which promoted the formation of focal contacts. In addition, significant amount of collagen formation was observed on the sample deformed up to 25% of strain which can be due to the ideal match of the surface roughness and collagen molecules. Overall these results show that material’s microstructure can be manipulated through plastic deformation mechanisms in order to enhance the cell response and collagen deposition. As a result long lasting implants could be obtained which would eliminate additional surgical interventions and provide a successful treatment.