Biomaterials

Biography

Biography: Susanne Staehlke

Abstract

The first critical courses for assessing the suitability of a new biomaterial in medicine are biofunctionality and compatibility of the biosystem at the site of its effect. Topographical as well as chemical surface properties of biomaterials have a specific impact of integration and regeneration in bone tissue. The surface stimuli can affect the cell behavior, either detrimentally or favorably. So, the osteoblasts recognize their surrounding by adhesion receptors connected intracellularly with focal adhesion complexes. The associated intracellular actin cytoskeleton is in control for cell morphology, migration as well as for the transmission of signals and forces of the surroundings into the cells. External signals from physico-chemical environments finally influence the cell function (Figure 1). However, it is unclear as to which physiological processes will be affected in detail. In the previous studies, we could find out that defined geometrical micro-pillars influenced the cell architecture and the cell function of human MG-63 osteoblasts. In addition, the mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (Ca²⁺) after ATP stimulus was significantly impaired in cells growing on micro-pillars. It raises the question whether the mobilization of intracellular Ca²⁺, as “second messenger”, represents a sensitive parameter for in vitro studies of cell-biomaterial interactions. In our recent studies we examined the cell physiology and signaling on different chemical properties of biomaterials. The data indicate an increased intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling on plasma-chemically modified titanium with improved cell adhesion and spreading. The understanding of complex cellular behavior and intracellular signaling events is critical for the acceptance of new biomaterial surfaces in regenerative medicine.