A novel nanosize form of alumina fibers has been found to be bioactive. A separate study done at Argonide Corporation (not yet published) demonstrated that such fibers attracted and retained virus particles. In this study, the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts (or bone-forming cells) to these fibers was completed in vitro. Compacts of such fibers showed improved osteoblast adhesion and proliferation as compared to notable orthopedic/dental implant materials such as commercially pure titanium and hydroxyapatite. Osteoblast adhesion on fiber compacts was determined as a function of heat treatment of the fibers, demonstrated that heat treatment at 400 °C was optimal. Since adhesion and roliferation are crucial prerequisites for the deposition of calcium-containing mineral, the demonstrated activity of osteoblasts on the novel alumina fibers presents an opportunity for using them in the next-generation of orthopedic/dental implant prostheses. Such fibers could act as scaffolding in new formulations to enhance bone synthesis that is critical in the clinical success of bone prostheses.
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