Evaluation of otorhinolaryngological manifestations in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

OBJECTIVES: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease characterized by congenital impairment of mucociliary clearance causing recurrent respiratory tract infections. Pulmonary manifestations of PCD are well-known whereas adequate data on otorhinolaryngological complications is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features, course and related factors of otorhinolaryngologic domains in PCD patients. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of PCD who were on follow-up in the ear-nose-throat (ENT) department of our center between 2000 and 2021 were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data, frequency of sinonasal and otological complaints, examination findings and possible risk factors associated with otorhinolaryngological diseases were obtained via electronic medical charts retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 121 patients, 53% were male, median age at PCD diagnosis was 7 years (1 month - 20 yrs). The most common ENT manifestation was otitis media with effusion (OME) (66.1%, n = 80), followed by acute otitis media (43.8%, n = 53), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (28.9%, n = 35), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (27.3%, n = 33) and chronic otitis media (10.7%, n = 13). Patients with ARS and CRS were significantly older than patients who did not have ARS and CRS (p = 0.045 and p = 0.028, respectively). The annual number of ARS attacks also correlated with age of patients positively (r = 0.170, p = 0.06). Of the 45 patients with pure-tone audiometry, most common finding was conductive hearing loss (CHL) in 57,8% (n = 26). Presence of OME significantly increased tympanic membrane injury which was observed as sclerosis, perforation, retraction or changes due to ventilation tube insertion (VTI). (OR: 8.6, 95% CI: 3.6-20.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Otorhinolaryngologic diseases are common, variable and complicated in PCD patients, consequently ENT physicians' awareness should be improved through shared experiences. ARS and CRS seem to appear in older PCD patients. Presence of OME is the most important risk factor for tympanic membrane damage.

Internalization study of nanosized zeolite crystals in human glioblastoma cells.

While the use of nanozeolites for cancer treatment holds a great promise, it also requires a better understanding of the interaction between the zeolite nanoparticles and cancer cells and notably their internalization and biodistribution. It is particularly important in situation of hypoxia, a very common situations in aggressive cancers, which may change the energetic processes required for cellular uptake. Herein, we studied, in vitro, the kinetics of the internalization process and the intracellular localization of nanosized zeolite X (FAU-X) into glioblastoma cells. In normoxic conditions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a rapid cell membrane adhesion of zeolite nanoparticles (< 5 min following application in the cell medium), occurring before an energy-dependent uptake which appeared between 1 h and 4 h. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry analyzes, confirmed that the zeolite nanoparticles accumulate over time into the cytoplasm and were mostly located into vesicles visible at least up to 6 days. Interestingly, the uptake of zeolite nanoparticles was found to be dependent on oxygen concentration, i.e. an increase in internalization in severe hypoxia (0.2 % of O2) was observed. No toxicity of zeolite FAU-X nanoparticles was detected after 24 h and 72 h. The results clearly showed that the nanosized zeolites crystals were rapidly internalized via energy-requiring mechanism by cancer cells and even more in the hypoxic conditions. Once the zeolite nanoparticles were internalized into cells, they appeared to be safe and stable and therefore, they are envisioned to be used as carrier of various compounds to target cancer cells.

M101, a therapeutic oxygen carrier derived from Arenicola marina, decreased Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced hypoxia and improved periodontal healing.

BACKGROUND: Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates tissue hypoxia and worsens periodontal inflammation. This study investigated the effect of a therapeutic oxygen carrier (M101), derived from Arenicola marina, on hypoxia and associated inflammation in the context of periodontitis. METHODS: The effect of M101 on GLUT-1, GLUT-3, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 expression, hypoxia, and antioxidant status in oral epithelial cells (EC) exposed to CoCl2 (1000 µM), P. gingivalis (MOI 100), and CoCl2 + P. gingivalis was evaluated through hypoxia detection fluorescence assay, antioxidant concentration colorimetric assay, and RTqPCR. Evaluation of M101 on EC proliferation was evaluated in an in vitro wound assay. In experimental periodontitis, periodontal wound healing and osteoclastic activity were compared among natural wound healing, placebo, and gels containing M101 (1  and 2 g/L) groups through histomorphometry and TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity assay) assay respectively. The expression of HIF-1α, MMP-9, and NFκB in periodontal tissues was also evaluated through immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS: M101 downregulated GLUT-1, GLUT-3, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 levels in EC exposed to CoCl2 , P. gingivalis, and CoCl2 + P. gingivalis (p < 0.05). Fluorescence and colorimetric analyses confirmed hypoxia reduction and antioxidant capacity improvement in such EC upon M101 treatment. Moreover, M101 improved significantly the in vitro wound closure. In vivo, the attachment level was significantly improved, and osteoclastic activity was reduced in mice treated with M101 gels compared to placebo and natural wound healing groups (p < 0.05). HIF-1α, MMP-9, and NFκB expression in periodontal tissues was reduced in M101 gels treated mice compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: M101 showed promise in resolving hypoxia and associated inflammation-mediated tissue degradation. Its potential in the clinical management of periodontitis must be further investigated.

Nanomedicine and Periodontal Regenerative Treatment.

Current periodontal treatments aim to control bacterial infection and decrease inflammation. To optimize contemporary conventional treatments that present limitations owing to an inability to reach the lesion site, new methods are based on nanomedicine. Nanomedecine allows delivery of host-modulatory drugs or antibacterial molecules at the lesion site in an optimal concentration with decreased toxicity and risk of systemic side effects. Chitosan and polylactic-co-glycolic acid-loaded nanoparticles, carbon quantum dots, and mesoporous silicates open new perspectives in periodontitis management. The potential therapeutic impact of the main nanocarriers is discussed.

Modulation of immune-inflammatory responses through surface modifications of biomaterials to promote bone healing and regeneration.

Control of inflammation is indispensable for optimal oral wound healing and tissue regeneration. Several biomaterials have been used to enhance the regenerative outcomes; however, the biomaterial implantation can ensure an immune-inflammatory response. The interface between the cells and the biomaterial surface plays a critical role in determining the success of soft and hard tissue regeneration. The initial inflammatory response upon biomaterial implantation helps in tissue repair and regeneration, however, persistant inflammation impairs the wound healing response. The cells interact with the biomaterials through extracellular matrix proteins leading to protein adsorption followed by recruitment, attachment, migration, and proliferation of several immune-inflammatory cells. Physical nanotopography of biomaterials, such as surface proteins, roughness, and porosity, is crucial for driving cellular attachment and migration. Similarly, modification of scaffold surface chemistry by adapting hydrophilicity, surface charge, surface coatings, can down-regulate the initiation of pro-inflammatory cascades. Besides, functionalization of scaffold surfaces with active biological molecules can down-regulate pro-inflammatory and pro-resorptive mediators' release as well as actively up-regulate anti-inflammatory markers. This review encompasses various strategies for the optimization of physical, chemical, and biological properties of biomaterial and the underlying mechanisms to modulate the immune-inflammatory response, thereby, promoting the tissue integration and subsequent soft and hard tissue regeneration potential of the administered biomaterial.

Characterization of a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel containing an extracellular oxygen carrier (M101) for periodontitis treatment: An in vitro study.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease associated with anaerobic bacteria leading to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone anaerobic pathogen involved in the development of severe lesions. Periodontal treatment aims to suppress subgingival biofilms and to restore tissue homeostasis. However, hypoxia impairs wound healing and promotes bacterial growth within periodontal pocket. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of local oxygen delivery through the local application of a hydrogel containing Arenicola marina's hemoglobin (M101). To this end, a hydrogel (xanthan (2%), hyaluronic acid (1%)) containing M101 (1-2 g/L) (Xn(2%)-HA(1%)-M101) was prepared and characterized. Rheological tests revealed the occurrence of high deformation without the loss of elastic properties. Dialysis experiment revealed that incorporation of M101 within the gel did not modify its oxygen transportation properties. Samples of release media of the gels (1 g/L (10%) and 2 g/L (10%) M101) decreased significantly the growth of P. gingivalis after 24 h validating its antibacterial effect. Metabolic activity measurement confirmed the cytocompatibility of Xn(2%)-HA(1%)-M101. This study suggests the therapeutic interest of Xn(2%)-HA(1%)-M101 gel to optimize treatment of periodontitis with a non-invasive approach.

Clinical implications of fungal isolation from sputum in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Background/aim: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease with a defect in mucociliary activity that is characterized by recurrent pulmonary infections. Bacterial agents frequently implicated in airway colonization are Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. Fungal isolation from sputum is common in adults. However, growth of fungal agent only in sputum culture in patients with cystic fibrosis is insufficient for the diagnosis of fungal diseases. There is limited data about the clinical significance of fungal isolation in sputum cultures. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes andsignificance of fungal isolation from sputum samples in adult CF. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients who have been admitted between October 2017 and January 2019 in an adult cystic fibrosis unit. Patients were grouped according to fungal pathogenicity as; fungal disease group, colonization group, and nonisolated group. The data of the last one year, including demographics, clinical data, laboratory, treatment modalities, results of cultured bacteria and fungus from sputum samples, respiratory function parameters, frequency of exacerbation, and hospitalizationwere compared between groups. Results: A total of 330 sputum samples from 88 adult patients with CF were collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups, the fungal disease group (n = 10, 11.4%), colonization group (n = 49, 55.7%), and nonisolated group (n = 29, 32.9%). Presence of pulmonary exacerbation, number of admissions to emergency department, and the number of positive cultures for bacteria from sputum were higher in the fungal disease group (p = 0.03, p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). The fungal disease group had higher rate of antibiotics by parenteral routethan other groups (p = 0.001) whereas lung functions were similar. Use of nutritional supplementation and parenteral antibiotherapy were the factors associated with elevated risk of fungal isolation. Conclusion: Frequent use of parenteral antibiotics and use of nutritional supplementation were found to be independent risk factors for fungal isolation from sputum in adult CF.

Ruthenium tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) complex encapsulated in nanosized faujasite zeolite as intracellular localization tracer.

Designing zeolites for medical applications is a challenging task that requires introducing new functionalities without altering the intrinsic properties such as morphology, crystallinity, colloidal stability, surface charge, and porosity. Herein, we present the encapsulation of luminescent ruthenium-tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) complex in faujasite (FAU) zeolite nanocrystals (Ru(bpy)3-FAU) and their use as an intracellular localization tracer. Upon exciting the Ru(bpy)3-FAU zeolite at 450 nm, the sample gives rise to an orange-red emission at 628 nm, thus permitting its use for cellular imaging and localization of the zeolite nanoparticles. The nanosized Ru(bpy)3-FAU zeolite is characterized in terms of size, charge, crystallinity, morphology, porosity, thermal stability, and sorption capacity. The potential toxicity of Ru(bpy)3-FAU on U251-MG glioblastoma cells was evaluated. A safe concentration (50-100 µg/ml) for the Ru(bpy)3-FAU zeolite is identified. The luminescent properties of the ruthenium complex confined in the zeolite nanocrystals allow their localization in the U251-MG cells with a main accumulation in the cytoplasm. The Ru(bpy)3-FAU nanosized zeolite is a potential candidate for biological applications for being stable, safe, capable of loading respiratory gases, and easily probed in the cells owing to its luminescent properties.

Nanosized zeolites as a gas delivery platform in a glioblastoma model.

Approaches able to counteract, at least temporarily, hypoxia, a well-known factor of resistance to treatment in solid tumors are highly desirable. Herein, we report the use of nanosized zeolite crystals as hyperoxic/hypercapnic gas carriers for glioblastoma. First, the non-toxic profile of nanosized zeolite crystals in living animals (mice, rats and non-human primates) and in various cell types is presented. Second, the ability of the nanosized zeolites to act as a vasoactive agent for a targeted re-oxygenation of the tumor after intravenous injection is shown. As attested by an MRI protocol, the zeolites were able to increase oxygenation and blood volume specifically within the brain tumor whilst no changes in the healthy-non tumoral brain-were observed. The first proof of concept for the use of metal-containing nanosized zeolites as a tool for vectorization of hyperoxic/hypercapnic gases in glioblastoma is revealed.

SRC Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and X-rays Combined Effect on Glioblastoma Cell Lines.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal types of tumor due to its high recurrence level in spite of aggressive treatment regimens involving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hypoxia is a feature of GBM, involved in radioresistance, and is known to be at the origin of treatment failure. The aim of this work was to assess the therapeutic potential of a new targeted c-SRC inhibitor molecule, named Si306, in combination with X-rays on the human glioblastoma cell lines, comparing normoxia and hypoxia conditions. For this purpose, the dose modifying factor and oxygen enhancement ratio were calculated to evaluate the Si306 radiosensitizing effect. DNA damage and the repair capability were also studied from the kinetic of γ-H2AX immunodetection. Furthermore, motility processes being supposed to be triggered by hypoxia and irradiation, the role of c-SRC inhibition was also analyzed to evaluate the migration blockage by wound healing assay. Our results showed that inhibition of the c-SRC protein enhances the radiotherapy efficacy both in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. These data open new opportunities for GBM treatment combining radiotherapy with molecularly targeted drugs to overcome radioresistance.

Nasal nitric oxide levels in primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis and healthy children.

Güney E, Emiralioglu N, Cinel G, Yalçin E, Dogru D, Kiper N, Özçelik HU. Nasal nitric oxide levels in primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis and healthy children. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 20-25. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by recurrent respiratory tract infections. The measurement of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) is an important test for the diagnosis of PCD. In this study, we aim to evaluate NIOX-MINOÒ, which is an easily applicable method for measuring nNO, in the diagnosis of patients with PCD and define diagnostic cut-off levels. Furthermore, determining the normal limits of nNO in healthy children and investigating nNO levels of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are the other aims of this study. The children included in this study were 5 to 18.5 years old, 46 of them had PCD, 44 had CF and 200 were healthy children. To our knowledge, this work contains the widest population compared to previous studies. Subjects receiving steroids or antibiotics or those with any acute respiratory tract infection, asthma or allergic rhinitis were not included in the study. Mean nNO levels were found as 10.4, 22.8 and 21.0 ppb in PCD, CF and healthy children, respectively. The nNO levels for PCD patients were found significantly lower than children with CF and the control groups (p < 0.05). In this study, the diagnostic nNO cut-off level between PCD and the other two groups was determined to be < 11.5 ppb with %83.6 specificity and %67.4 sensitivity. The screening of nNO with NIOX-MINO method provides early diagnose before mucosal biopsy of patients who are suspected to have PCD and therefore, prevents co-morbidities and prolongs survival with early treatment.

Reduced anaerobic and aerobic performance in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) restricts lifestyle and increases morbidity. The aim of the study was to investigate anaerobic and aerobic performance in children with PCD and their healthy counterparts. Thirty-one children with PCD and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were studied. Pulmonary function, hand grip strength (HGS), quadriceps strength (QMS), physical activity, anaerobic capacity (muscle power sprint test), and aerobic performance (modified shuttle walk test (MSWT)) were determined. Pulmonary function, HGS, QMS, mean anaerobic power (MAP), and MSWT distance in PCD were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In PCD, the MAP was significantly correlated with age, FEV1, and the mean kcal for 3 days (p < 0.05), and age was its independent predictor (p < 0.05). The MSWT distance was significantly related to gender and weight (p < 0.05), and gender was selected as its independent predictor (p < 0.05). In healthy controls, the MAP was significantly associated with age, gender, FVC, FEV1, HGS, QMS, and the mean kcal for three days (p < 0.05). The MSWT distance was significantly related to weight and body mass index in healthy group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anaerobic and aerobic performance is impaired in PCD from the early stages. Age determines anaerobic performance. Gender is the determinant of aerobic performance. Whether skeletal muscle characteristics and sex-related changes in body composition affect anaerobic and aerobic capacity in PCD children warrants further study. What is Known: • Exercise performance is determined by anaerobic and aerobic power. • Few studies have shown that PCD patients have lower aerobic performance which is associated with impaired lung function. What is New: • The present research indicated that both anaerobic and aerobic exercise capacity determined using field testing is impaired in PCD from the early stages. • Anaerobic capacity was found to be independently associated with age in PCD. Higher aerobic performance is independently associated with male gender.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient after the surgery of hydatid cyst.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) is a condition caused by the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in non-immunocompromised individuals. Numerous underlying conditions have been associated with CNPA. Tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) remain the predominant risk factors for development of CNPA. Development of CNPA in echinococcal cyst cavities is very rare and the optimal therapeutic regimen and treatment duration have not been established. Here, we present a case of CNPA developed six years after the cystectomy operation of hydatid cyst and treated with voriconazole successfully.

Cell-laden hydrogel/titanium microhybrids: Site-specific cell delivery to metallic implants for improved integration.

Porous titanium implants are widely used in dental, orthopaedic and otorhinolaryngology fields to improve implant integration to host tissue. A possible step further to improve the integration with the host is the incorporation of autologous cells in porous titanium structures via cell-laden hydrogels. Fast gelling hydrogels have advantageous properties for in situ applications such as localisation of specific cells and growth factors at a target area without dispersion. The ability to control the cell types in different regions of an implant is important in applications where the target tissue (i) has structural heterogeneity (multiple cell types with a defined spatial configuration with respect to each other); (ii) has physical property gradients essential for its function (such as in the case of osteochondral tissue transition). Due to their near immediate gelation, such gels can also be used for site-specific modification of porous titanium structures, particularly for implants which would face different tissues at different locations. Herein, we describe a step by step design of a model system: the model cell-laden gel-containing porous titanium implants in the form of titanium microbead/hydrogel (maleimide-dextran or maleimide-PVA based) microhybrids. These systems enable the determination of the effect of titanium presence on gel properties and encapsulated cell behaviour as a miniaturized version of full-scale implants, providing a system compatible with conventional analysis methods. We used a fibroblast/vascular endothelial cell co-cultures as our model system and by utilising single microbeads we have quantified the effect of gel microenvironment (degradability, presence of RGD peptides within gel formulation) on cell behaviour and the effect of the titanium presence on cell behaviour and gel formation. Titanium presence slightly changed gel properties without hindering gel formation or affecting cell viability. Cells showed a preference to move towards the titanium beads and fibroblast proliferation was significantly higher in hybrids compared to gel only controls. The MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase)-sensitive hydrogels induced sprouting by cells in co-culture configuration which was quantified by fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy and qRT-PCR (Quantitative Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). When the microhybrid up-scaled to 3D thick structures, cellular localisation in specific areas of the 3D titanium structures was achieved, without decreasing overall cell proliferation compared to titanium only scaffolds. Microhybrids of titanium and hydrogels are useful models for deciding the necessary modifications of metallic implants and they can be used as a modelling system for the study of tissue/titanium implant interactions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This article demonstrates a method to apply cell-laden hydrogels to porous titanium implants and a model of titanium/hydrogel interaction at micro-level using titanium microbeads. The feasibility of site-specific modification of titanium implants with cell-laden microgels has been demonstrated. Use of titanium microbeads in combination with hydrogels with conventional analysis techniques as described in the article can facilitate the characterisation of surface modification of titanium in a relevant model system.

Harnessing the multifunctionality in nature: a bioactive agent release system with self-antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.

Major problems with biomedical devices in particular implants located in nonsterile environments concern: (i) excessive immune response to the implant, (ii) development of bacterial biofilms, and (iii) yeast and fungi infections. An original multifunctional coating that addresses all these issues concomitantly is developed. A new exponentially growing polyelectrolyte multilayer film based on polyarginine (PAR) and hyaluronic acid (HA) is designed. The films have a strong inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines released by human primary macrophage subpopulations. This could reduce potential chronic inflammatory reaction following implantation. Next, it is shown that PAR, due to its positive charges, has an antimicrobial activity in film format against Staphylococcus aureus for 24 h. In order to have a long-term antimicrobial activity, a precursor nanoscale silver coating is deposited on the surface before adding the PAR/HA films. Moreover, the PAR/HA films can be easily further functionalized by embedding antimicrobial peptides, like catestatin (CAT), a natural host defense peptide. This PAR/HA+CAT film proves to be effective as an antimicrobial coating against yeast and fungi and its cytocompatibility is also assessed. Finally, this all-in-one system constitutes an original strategy to limit inflammation and prevents bacteria, yeast, and fungi infections.

Priming cells for their final destination: microenvironment controlled cell culture by a modular ECM-mimicking feeder film.

Mammalian cell culture is the starting point in many research studies focusing on biomedical applications. However, researchers have little control over the standardized cell microenvironment parameters. Here a modular ECM-mimicking surface coating for cell culture environment is designed. This substrate is a new and versatile thin film obtained by spin-coating of concentrated gelatin crosslinked by transglutaminase. It can be modified with respect to the biochemical and biophysical needs of the final cell destination, i.e. it delivers loaded multi-growth factors and serum components and allows for cell culture in a serum-free culture medium. Also, a well-known cell behavior modulator, the substrate stiffness, is controlled exogenously by addition of nanoparticles. In addition to growth factors, antimicrobial agents such as natural peptides are added to the substrate for limiting the repeated addition of antimicrobial agents to the culture medium and to prevent the increase of resistant bacterial strains in the culture environment. Finally, this substrate contains simultaneously ECM components, growth factors, stiffening elements and antimicrobial agents. It provides a favorable microenvironment and sterile conditions. It is a free-of-maintenance system, as cells will grow without addition of serum or antimicrobial cocktails. This low cost and easy-to-use substrate could emerge as a new standard for cell culture.

Cell microenvironment engineering and monitoring for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: the recent advances.

In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the conditions in the immediate vicinity of the cells have a direct effect on cells' behaviour and subsequently on clinical outcomes. Physical, chemical, and biological control of cell microenvironment are of crucial importance for the ability to direct and control cell behaviour in 3-dimensional tissue engineering scaffolds spatially and temporally. In this review, we will focus on the different aspects of cell microenvironment such as surface micro-, nanotopography, extracellular matrix composition and distribution, controlled release of soluble factors, and mechanical stress/strain conditions and how these aspects and their interactions can be used to achieve a higher degree of control over cellular activities. The effect of these parameters on the cellular behaviour within tissue engineering context is discussed and how these parameters are used to develop engineered tissues is elaborated. Also, recent techniques developed for the monitoring of the cell microenvironment in vitro and in vivo are reviewed, together with recent tissue engineering applications where the control of cell microenvironment has been exploited. Cell microenvironment engineering and monitoring are crucial parts of tissue engineering efforts and systems which utilize different components of the cell microenvironment simultaneously can provide more functional engineered tissues in the near future.

Systematically organized nanopillar arrays reveal differences in adhesion and alignment properties of BMSC and Saos-2 cells.

Polymeric test surfaces of P(L-D,L)LA and of a P(L-D,L)LA:PLGA blend decorated with 25 nanopillar covered fields, were used to investigate differences in growth of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) and osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2). The fields were populated with pillars (ca. 900 nm tall, 200 nm×200 nm area) separated systematically from each other with 1-10 µm gaps. Saos-2 cells populated fields decorated with pillars 1 µm apart but they avoided pillar-free surfaces. In contrast, BMSCs avoided fields with interpillar distances <2 µm. Both BMSCs and Saos-2 cells aligned in the direction of the shorter distance when at least one of the interpillar distances was greater than 1.5 µm. Coating the P(L-D,L)LA surfaces with cell adhesive protein fibronectin enabled the BMSC to populate fields with high pillar density which they had avoided when uncoated. Decreasing the stiffness of the film surface by using a blend of (P(L-D,L)LA and PLGA) made them more acceptable for attachment by the BMSC cells.