Topographical texturing is widely recognized to be an predominant factor in the tissue integration of a biomaterial. In our research several complementary areas of investigation, including micro and nano-manufacturing, protein analysis, cell- and molecular biology, and preclinical animal experimentation, are  integrated to achieve a wide-ranging emphasis on the efficacy of texturing in implantology. The innovative aspects of this research line are investigating increasingly smaller (5-100nm) structures, resembling the size range of naturally occurring extracellular matrix, producing biomimetic microstructures, unraveling the working mechanisms behind the cells’ sensing capability to its structural environment, and making translational steps towards practical applications of micro and nanomodification of medical biomaterials / implants.

Connective tissue cells adhering to a nanometric surface pattern recognize the pattern and adjust their shape accordingly, a phenomenon known as ‘contact guidance’.

Key references

1. Loesberg WA, Walboomers XF, Bronkhorst EM, van Loon JJ, Jansen JA. The effect of combined simulated microgravity and microgrooved surface topography on fibroblasts. Cell Motil Cytoskeleton 2007;64(3):174-85.
2. Walboomers XF, Jansen JA. Effect of microtextured surfaces on the performance of percutaneous devices. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2005;74(3):381-7.
3. Bruckmann C, Walboomers XF, Matsuzaka K, Jansen JA. Periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblast adhesion to dentin-like textured surfaces. Biomaterials. 2005;26(3):339-46.