0D/1D Heterojunction Implant with Electro-Mechanobiological Coupling Cues Promotes Osteogenesis

Mimicking the natural bone extracellular matrix containing intrinsic topography and electrical signals is an effective way to modulate bone regeneration. However, simultaneously coupling of the intrinsic mechanobiology and electrical cues of implant to modulate bone regeneration remains ignored. Here, the authors report in situ designation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocone/bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanodot heterojunctions on bone implant surface to electro-biomechanically trigger osseointegration at bone/implant interface. TiO2 nanocone/Bi2O3 nanodot heterojunctions exhibit built-in electric field at the nanoscale interface and elastic modulus equivalent to that of bone tissue. The nano-heterojunctions significantly promoted the attachment, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, and the osteogenesis in vivo. The authors also show that the effects of nano-heterojunctions on osteogenesis are mediated by yes-associated protein biomechanical signal pathway and intracellular enrichment induced Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signal pathway. Their findings highlight the coupling of topographical and electric parameters of biomaterials for modulating cell behaviors.

Automated summary

The researchers successfully enhanced the attachment, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation of bone cells by designing TiO2 nanocone/Bi2O3 nanodot heterojunctions on the bone implant surface, thereby improving osseointegration and bone regeneration capabilities.