SignificanceStructure and function are intermingled and inseparable. Therefore, the structure–function dependency sequence is mostly unclear. Using the periodontal ligament as a model, employing a technique utilizing a loading system inside a microCT, we were able to visualize in 3D the fresh collagen networks and correlate their distribution and direction with loads exerted on the ligament. We show that the ligament structure is not uniform and is determined before it becomes functional, and therefore we propose that structural nonuniformity is specifically designed to optimize ligament function to the variable forces it sustains.
Surface modification techniques are often used to enhance the properties of Ti‐based materials as hard‐tissue replacements. While the microstructure of the coating and the quality of the interface between the substrate and coating are essential to evaluate the reliability and applicability of the surface modification. In this study, both a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and a collagen‐hydroxyapatite (Col‐HA) composite coating were deposited onto a Ti‐6Al‐4V substrate using a biomimetic coating process. Importantly, a gradient cross‐sectional structure with a porous coating toward the surface, while a dense layer adjacent to the interface between the coating and substrate was observed in three‐dimensional (3D) from both the HA and Col‐HA coatings via a dual‐beam focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM). Moreover, the pore distributions within the entire coatings were reconstructed in 3D using Avizo, and the pores size distributions along the coating depth were calculated using RStudio. By evaluating the mechanical property and biocompatibility of these materials and closely observing the cross‐sectional cell‐coating‐substrate interfaces using FIB‐SEM, it was revealed that the porous surface created by both coatings well supports osteoblast cell adhesion while the dense inner layer facilitates a good bonding between the coating and the substrate. Although the mechanical property of the coating decreased with the addition of collagen, it is still strong enough for implant handling and the biocompatibility was promoted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.