Geometry of artificial ECM. Three-Dimensional Structure of Titanium-Web (TW) Promotes Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells into Osteoblasts

We demonstrate that a new culture system using a titanium web (TW) consisted of titanium fibers (50 mm diameter) can promote differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts without conventional application of dexamethasone. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC, Cambrex) and MC3T3-E1 were cultured on titanium web (87% of porosity). ALP/DNA in hMSC at 2 weeks was 2 times higher and MC3T3-E1 at 4 weeks was 4 times higher on TW than those on the conventional plastic dishes. Effect of 3D structure of TW is self-evident and the results will open a new age of 3D bone cell biology using TW.