Effect of microgrooved poly-l-lactic (PLA) surfaces on proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and mineralized matrix formation of rat bone marrow cells

Previous experiments showed that microgrooved substrate surfaces can influence the in vitro behavior of osteoblast-like rat bone marrow (RBM) cells. Cellular morphology and matrix deposition can be directed by substrate chemistry and topography. RBM cells cultured on poly-l-lactic acid (PLA) exhibit increased mineralization and alkaline phosphatase activity compared to polystyrene substrates. Consequently, the purpose of the present in vitro study is to further evaluate the behavior of RBM cells on microgrooved (groove depth 0.5 to 1.5 microns, groove and ridge width 1 to 10 microns) polystyrene (PS) and PLA surfaces. Besides grooved, also smooth control surfaces were made. Our results confirmed that microtextured surfaces are capable of influencing the behavior of the osteoblast-like RBM cells in vitro. Microtopography did not influence the RBM proliferation rate, or cellular actin organization. However, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that cellular attachment is dependent on the applied material. Also clear differences were found between textured PS and PLA, with regard to the calcium content. We therefore conclude, that the application of microtextures could possibly influence the bone regeneration around biodegradable PLA devices.