Nanostructured model biomaterial surfaces prepared by colloidal lithography

Adsorption of 110 nm negatively charged polystyrene particles on positively charged titanium surfaces was studied for the purpose of making surfaces w ith controlled nanotopography. Surfaces with 9-26 % saturation coverages of evenly spaced particles were produced by varying the salt concentration in the particle solution (0.01-1 mM NaCl). This is a quick and relatively sim ple method to make uniform nanostructures over large surface areas (similar to cm(2)). The produced surfaces are used for in vitro cell studies of how sub-micrometre topography influences cell adhesion and function. (C) 1999 Acta Metallurgica Inc.