title: Nanoscale Surface Modifications of Medical Implants for Cartilage Tissue Repair and Regeneration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Natural cartilage regeneration is limited after trauma or degenerative processes. Due to the clinical challenge of reconstruction of articular cartilage, research into developing biomaterials to support cartilage regeneration have evolved. The structural architecture of composition of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital in guiding cell adhesion, migration and formation of cartilage. Current technologies have tried to mimic the cell's nanoscale microenvironment to improve implants to improve cartilage tissue repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review evaluates nanoscale techniques used to modify the implant surface for cartilage regeneration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surface of biomaterial is a vital parameter to guide cell adhesion and consequently allow for the formation of ECM and allow for tissue repair. By providing nanosized cues on the surface in the form of a nanotopography or nanosized molecules, allows for better control of cell behaviour and regeneration of cartilage. Chemical, physical and lithography techniques have all been explored for modifying the nanoscale surface of implants to promote chondrocyte adhesion and ECM formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future studies are needed to further establish the optimal nanoscale modification of implants for cartilage tissue regeneration.
authors.affiliation: University College London Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, London, UK.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.affiliation: Anatomy Department, St Georges Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szarko
authors.affiliation: University College London Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seifailan
authors.affiliation: University College London Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, London, UK; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Butler
keywords: Cartilage; Nanoscale; Nanotechnology; Nanotopography; Surface modification; Tissue-engineering