Nanoscaled periodic surface structures of medical stainless steel and their effect on osteoblast cells.

Nanoscaled lamellar surface structures have been prepared on medical stainless steel AISI 316LVM surfaces by chemical etching of the decomposed phases. The effect of this structure on osteoblastic cells has been investigated. Long filopodia were developed by the cells perpendicular to the lamellar structure while almost no or only short filopodia were formed parallel to the lamellae. These results are explained in terms of a topographical influence of the nanostructure. During the growth process of the filopodia a nearly flat surface was recognized parallel to the lamellae while a topographical change was sensed perpendicular to the structure, which was preferred by the cells.