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 with 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 simple 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.