The goal of this research is to determine the effects of certain substrate surface microgeometries on cell growth. The eventual application of this work will be in the design of orthopedic implants with a range of surface geometries which will facilitate the desired cellular response on the various regions of the device. The design of three types of surfaces will be investigated; namely, 1) one that promotes bone growth and inhibits soft tissue growth, 2) one that allows soft tissue growth but not bone growth, and 3) one that acts as a barrier to fibrous tissue growth. The cellular response to sputter coated Ti surfaces which have various dimensions of square wave microgeometries will be compared to a flat surface. If the square wave shape does not produce the desired cellular responses, a cusp shaped microgeometry will be evaluated. Two cellular lines will be tested - rat tendon fibroblasts and rat bone marrow cells. Phase II of the research will concentrate on the design and in vivo testing of orthopedic implants with the appropriate microgeometries strategically placed on the implant to obtain the desired cellular responses.
