A novel jet-based nano-hydroxyapatite patterning technique for osteoblast guidance

Surface topography is well known to play a crucial role in influencing cellular responses to an implant material and is therefore important in bone tissue regeneration. A novel jet-based patterning technique, template-assisted electrohydrodynamic atomization spraying, was recently devised to control precisely the surface structure as well as its dimensions. In the present study, a detailed investigation of this patterning process was carried out. A range of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) line-shaped patterns In vitrostudies showed that the nHA patterns generated are capable of regulating the human osteoblast cell attachment and orientation.