Titanate nanowire scaffolds decorated with anatase nanocrystals show good protein adsorption and low cell adhesion capacity

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In this report, layered microporous titanate nanowire scaffolds (TiNWs) were constructed via a hydrothermal route and then decorated with anatase nanocrystals (ANs@TiNWs) by immersion in TiCl(4) solution. The diameter and specific surface area of the ANs@TiNWs was measured. The TiNWs and ANs@TiNWs were then compared for their ability to adsorb protein and adhere to MG63 cells. RESULTS: The diameter and specific surface area of the ANs@TiNWs were significantly larger than for TiNWs, and the ANs@TiNWs had an enhanced protein-adsorbing effect. It was found that the MG63 cells were less able to adhere to the flat titanium substrate than the TiNWs and ANs@TiNWs, and that this cell-repellant ability was greater with ANs@TiNWs. Other MG63 cell functions, proliferation in particular, were also inhibited by ANs@TiNWs. CONCLUSION: ANs@TiNWs show a high protein adsorption and cell-repellant capacity which would be useful in drug delivery.