RETRACTED ARTICLE: The structure and biological properties of clustered anatase/rutile nanowire array–modified titanium surface

Understanding of the complicated interactions between biomaterials and cells can accelerate biomedical developments. Recently, many in vitro studies have emphasized the biological features of nanowires (NWs) on the cell’s early response. A type of unique clustered anatase/rutile NWs (ARNWs) was generated using a simple hydrothermal reaction on titanium in the present study. The aim of this study is to determine whether the ARNWs is beneficial for the enhancement of biological capacity. Clustered ARNWs with a diameter of 200 nm were grown on titanium disks via a three-step synthesis process. Three different types of NWs were generated during the production process, displaying different biological characteristics but similar surface topography and wettability. All of the NW surfaces remarkably accelerated the adsorption of albumin protein; however, compared to the ARNWs, a relatively low level of cell attachment and proliferation occurred on the surfaces of sodium titanate NWs (STiNWs) and H₂Ti₂O₅ nanowires (HTiNWs). The data indicated that the surface titanium oxide crystal structure plays an important role in the cell’s early response. To some extent, the generation of anatase and rutile of the ARNWs compensated for the cell-repelling properties. The crystal structure and potential larger loading capacity of the ARNWs face challenges for enhanced cellular adaptation which could improve its clinical potential.