Work

Roughing It: Topography and Surface Chemistry of Hierarchical Diamond Coatings Modulate Protein and Cellular Interactions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Surface topography and chemistry at the biomaterial interface play a decisive role in guiding protein adsorption and influencing cellular interactions. Here, is described a bottom-up approach to synthesize hierarchical diamond topographies with surface features at nano- and microscale with the potential to tailor biomaterial interactions at protein and cellular scales, respectively. This method enables direct control of surface topographical features during the synthesis, without the need for post-deposition modifications. It is shown that hierarchical diamond surfaces can modulate the adsorption of extracellular matrix proteins at nanoscale while altering cellular outcomes, including changes in cell adhesion, spreading, and mechanotransduction. The findings show that diamond surfaces containing nanoscale features with hydrophilic chemistry enhance focal adhesion organization and promote nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), a key mechanosensitive transcriptional regulator. This work demonstrates that hierarchical diamond coatings can synergistically tune protein-material interactions and cell behavior, providing a blueprint for next-generation orthopedic implants with improved integration potential.

Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202504668

Authors: Marit. C. Hougen, Ivan Rios‐Mondragon, Mihaela. R. Cimpan, Paul Johan Høl, Justas Zalieckas

Institutions: University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880