Cell Adhesion on Cathodic Arc Plasma Deposited ZrAlSiN Thin Films

Interaction between ZrAlSiN thin films and osteoblasts cells was conducted in vitro. Ti and ZrAlSiN films were deposited on glass coverslips by cathodic arc deposition. Ti, ZrAlSiN thin films and the bare glass coverslips were cultured with human osteoblast cells (hFOB). Cell morphology was observed with a confocal microscope in the bright field mode. Cell viability was assayed by MTT. Cell proliferation was fluorescent visualized at 10 X magnification. Cell cytoskeletons were analyzed by observing actin stress fiber organization. Focal contact adhesion was studied by investigation of the density of the vinculin. Cell viability, cell proliferation, developed actin stress fibers and focal contact adhesion were found better on ZrAlSiN thin films than on Ti thin films or glass surfaces.