Assessing the Suitability of Cellulose-Nanodiamond Composite As a Multifunctional Biointerface Material for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Interfacial surface properties, both physical and chemical, are known to play a critical role in achieving long-term stability of cell–biomaterial interactions. Novel bone tissue engineering technologies, which provide a suitable interface between cells and biomaterials and mitigate aseptic osteolysis, are sought and can be developed via the incorporation of nanostructured materials. In this sense, engineered nanobased constructs provide an effective interface and suitable topography for direct interaction with cells, promoting faster osseointegration and anchoring. Therefore, herein we have investigated the surface functionalization, biocompatibility, and effect of cellulose-nanodiamond conjugates on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were aminated through a 3-aminopropyltriethyoxysilane (APTES) silylation, while nanodiamonds (ND) were treated with a strong acid oxidation reflux, as to produce carboxyl groups on the surface. Thereafter, the two products were covale...