Adhesion of fibroblasts on micro- and nanostructured surfaces prepared by chemical vapor deposition and pulsed laser treatment

The development of micro- and nanostructured surfaces which improve the cell-substrate interaction is of great interest in today's implant applications. In this regard, Al/Al(2)O(3) bi-phasic nanowires were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition of the molecular precursor (tBuOAlH(2))(2). Heat treatment of such bi-phasic nanowires with short laser pulses leads to micro- and nanostructured Al(2)O(3) surfaces. Such surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Following the detailed material characterization, the prepared surfaces were tested for their cell compatibility using normal human dermal fibroblasts. While the cells cultivated on Al/Al(2)O(3) bi-phasic nanowires showed an unusual morphology, cells cultivated on nanowires treated with one and two laser pulses exhibited morphologies similar to those observed on the control substrate. The highest cell density was observed on surfaces treated with one laser pulse. The interaction of the cells with the nano- and microstructures was investigated by SEM analysis in detail. Laser treatment of Al/Al(2)O(3) bi-phasic nanowires is a fast and easy method to fabricate nano- and microstructured Al(2)O(3)-surfaces for studying cell-surface interactions. It is our goal to develop a biocompatible Al(2)O(3)-surface which could be used as a coating material for medical implants exhibiting a cell selective response because of its specific physical landscape and especially because it promotes the adhesion of osteoblasts while minimizing the adhesion of fibroblasts.