Culture surfaces coated with various implant materials affect chondrocyte growth and metabolism

Alternative methods for assessing biocompatibility and function of implant materials

Biocompatibility testing is used to evaluate the host response to implantable materials and to assess their ability to perform in applications in which they are intended to interact with biological systems. In compliance with international and/or national standards, such assessment is based mainly on the results of experimental implantation into animal tissues. However, the development of in vitro experimental techniques creates new opportunities to observe and to understand the interaction of biomaterials with host tissue. The state-of-the-art application of alternative methods in biocompatibility testing is presented in this review article. It is discussed with respect to the Three Rs concept (reduction, refinement, replacement) of Russell & Burch. Perspectives on alternative methods in biocompatibility studies are discussed with regard to the possible role of biomaterials in tissue engineering.

Influence of boron addition to Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy on MG63 osteoblast cell viability and protein adsorption

Cell proliferation, cell morphology and protein adsorption on near β-type Ti-13Zr-13Nb (TZN) alloy and Ti-13Zr-13Nb-0.5B (TZNB) composite have been investigated and compared to evaluate the effect of boron addition which has been added to the Ti alloy to improve their poor tribological properties by forming in situ TiB precipitates. MG63 cell proliferation on substrates with different chemistry but the same topography was compared. The MTT assay test showed that the cell viability on the TZN alloy was higher than the boron containing TZNB composite after 36 h of incubation and the difference was pronounced after 7 days. However, both the materials showed substantially higher cell attachment than the control (polystyrene). For the same period of incubation in fetal bovine serum (FBS), the amount of protein adsorbed on the surface of boron free TZN samples was higher than that in the case of boron containing TZNB composite. The presence of boron in the TZN alloy influenced protein adsorption and cell response and they are lower in TZNB than in TZN as a result of the associated difference in chemical characteristics.

Improvement of PHBV scaffolds with bioglass for cartilage tissue engineering

Polymer scaffold systems consisting of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) have proven to be possible matrices for the three-dimensional growth of chondrocyte cultures. However, the engineered cartilage grown on these PHBV scaffolds is currently unsatisfactory for clinical applications due to PHBV’s poor hydrophilicity, resulting in inadequate thickness and poor biomechanical properties of the engineered cartilage. It has been reported that the incorporation of Bioglass (BG) into PHBV can improve the hydrophilicity of the composites. In this study, we compared the effects of PHBV scaffolds and PHBV/BG composite scaffolds on the properties of engineered cartilage in vivo. Rabbit articular chondrocytes were seeded into PHBV scaffolds and PHBV/BG scaffolds. Short-term in vitro culture followed by long-term in vivo transplantation was performed to evaluate the difference in cartilage regeneration between the cartilage layers grown on PHBV and PHBV/BG scaffolds. The results show that the incorporation of BG into PHBV efficiently improved both the hydrophilicity of the composites and the percentage of adhered cells and promoted cell migration into the inner part the constructs. With prolonged incubation time in vivo, the chondrocyte-scaffold constructs in the PHBV/BG group formed thicker cartilage-like tissue with better biomechanical properties and a higher cartilage matrix content than the constructs in the PHBV/BG group. These results indicate that PHBV/BG scaffolds can be used to prepare better engineered cartilage than pure PHBV.

A physical vapor deposition method for controlled evaluation of biological response to biomaterial chemistry and topography

The purpose of this study was to characterize a technique to effectively mask surface chemistry without modifying surface topography. A thin layer of titanium was deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) onto different biomaterial surfaces. Commercially pure titanium disks were equally divided into three groups. Disks were either polished to a mirror finish, grit blasted with alumina particles, or grit blasted and subsequently plasma sprayed with a commercial grade of hydroxyapatite (HA). A subgroup of each of these treatment types was further treated by masking the entire disk surface with a thin layer of commercially pure titanium deposited by PVD. A comparison of surface topography and chemical composition was carried out between disks within each treatment group. Canine marrow cells were seeded on all disk surfaces to determine the stability of the PVD Ti mask under culture conditions. The PVD process did not significantly alter the surface topography of any samples. The thin titanium layer completely masked the underlying chemistry of the plasma sprayed HA surface and the chemistry of the plasma vapor deposited titanium layer did not differ from that of the commercially pure titanium disks. Aliquots obtained from the media during culture did not indicate any significant differences in Ti concentration amongst the Ti and Ti-masked surfaces. The PVD application of a Ti layer on HA coatings formed a stable, durable, and homogenous layer that effectively masked the underlying surface chemistry without altering the surface topography.

Response of musculoskeletal cells to biomaterials

Many of our current therapies are based on information obtained in cell cultures using substrates that have little in common with the substrates the cells will encounter in vivo. To produce materials that are clinically valuable, we must analyze more deeply how musculoskeletal cells interact with the physical features of their environments. An increasing body of information has examined the mechanisms by which osteoblasts interact with their substrate. The underlying substrate, particularly in bone, also has structural features that can alter the mechanical environment experienced by the cells. These structural features modulate the nature of cell attachment and the resulting cell shape, affecting cell proliferation and differentiation. The chemistry, surface energy, and microarchitecture of a material all influence the kinds of proteins that adsorb onto the surface, which in turn affects integrin-mediated attachment. Signaling via integrins initiates the transfer of information to the cell about the microenvironment. Cells can differentiate between crystallinities of the same chemistry and distinguish complex differences in surface structure. These differences in the in vitro response correspond to differences in clinical effectiveness. By designing biomaterials that maximally enhance mesenchymal cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, the value of these materials for tissue repair will be markedly increased. The goal is to provide materials that are capable of supporting tissue regeneration in vivo, often at sites compromised by infection and loss of structure.

Biodegradable porous polyurethane scaffolds for tissue repair and regeneration

Critical-size bone defects usually require the insertion of autogenous bone graft to heal. Harvesting of bone is traumatic and results in high morbidity at the donor site. A potential alternative to bone graft may be a bone substitute with adequate biocompatibility and biological properties produced from ceramics or bioresorbable/biodegradable polymers. In the present study, new elastomeric biodegradable polyurethanes with an enhanced affinity toward cells and tissues were synthesized using aliphatic diisocyanate, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diol, and biologically active 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbitol (isosorbide diol) as chain extender. The polymers were processed into 3D porous scaffolds by applying a combined salt leaching-phase inverse process. The critical parameters controlling pore size and geometry were the solvents and nonsolvents used for scaffold preparation and the sizes of the solid porogen crystals. Scaffolds prepared from the polymer solution in solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide or methyl-2-pyrrolidone did not have a homogenous pore structure. Many pores were interconnected, but numerous pores were closed. Irrespective of the high pore-to-volume ratio (75%), the scaffolds showed poor water permeability. The best solvent for the preparation of scaffolds from the polyurethane used in the study was dimethylformamide (DMF). The type of nonsolvent admixed to the polymer solution in DMF strongly affected the scaffolds' pore structure. The elastomeric polyurethane scaffold prepared from the optimal solvent-nonsolvent mixture had regular interconnected pores, high water permeability, and a pore-to-volume ratio of 90%. The osteoconductive properties of the 3D porous polyurethane scaffolds can be additionally promoted by loading them with calcium phosphate salts such as hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate, thus making them promising candidates for bone graft substitutes.

[Determination of sterol content in the moss Climacium dendroides L]

The potential of porous poly(ether ester) scaffolds made from poly(ethylene glycol) terephthalate: poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEGT:PBT) block copolymers produced by various methods to enable cartilaginous tissue formation in vitro was studied. Scaffolds were fabricated by two different processes: paraffin templating (PT) and compression molding (CM). To determine whether PEGT:PBT scaffolds are able to support chondrogenesis, primary bovine chondrocytes were seeded within cylindrical scaffolds under dynamic seeding conditions. On day 3, constructs were transferred to six-well plates and evaluated for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution (3, 10, and 24 days), type II collagen distribution, cellularity, and total collagen and GAG content (10 and 24 days). It was observed that better cell distribution during infiltration within PT scaffolds allowed greater chondrogenesis, and at later time points, than in CM scaffolds. The amount of GAG remained constant for all groups from 10 to 24 days, whereas collagen content increased significantly. These data suggest that PEGT:PBT scaffolds are suitable for cartilage tissue engineering, with the PT process enabling greater chondrogenesis than CM.

Effects of scaffold composition and architecture on human nasal chondrocyte redifferentiation and cartilaginous matrix deposition

We investigated whether the post-expansion redifferentiation and cartilage tissue formation capacity of adult human nasal chondrocytes can be regulated by controlled modifications of scaffold composition and architecture. As a model system, we used poly(ethylene glycol)-terephthalate-poly(butylene)-terephthalate block copolymer scaffolds from two compositions (low or high PEG content, resulting in different wettability) and two architectures (generated by compression molding or three-dimensional (3D) fiber deposition) with similar porosity and mechanical properties, but different interconnecting pore architectures. Scaffolds were seeded with expanded human chondrocytes and the resulting constructs assessed immunohistochemically, biochemically and at the mRNA expression level following up to 4 weeks of static culture. For a given 3D architecture, the more hydrophilic scaffold enhanced cell redifferentiation and cartilaginous tissue formation after 4 weeks culture, as assessed by higher mRNA expression of collagen type II, increased deposition of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and predominance of type II over type I collagen immunostain. The fiber-deposited scaffolds, with a more accessible pore volume and larger interconnecting pores, supported increased GAG deposition, but only if a more hydrophilic composition was used. By applying controlled and selective modifications of chemico-physical scaffold parameters, we demonstrate that both scaffold composition and architecture are instructive for expanded human chondrocytes in the generation of 3D cartilaginous tissues. The observed effects of composition and architecture were likely to have been mediated, respectively, by differential serum protein adsorption and efficiency of nutrient/waste exchange.

Adhesion-mediated signal transduction in human articular chondrocytes: the influence of biomaterial chemistry and tenascin-C

Chondrocyte 'dedifferentiation' involves the switching of the cell phenotype to one that no longer secretes extracellular matrix found in normal cartilage and occurs frequently during chondrocyte expansion in culture. It is also characterized by the differential expression of receptors and intracellular proteins that are involved in signal transduction pathways, including those associated with cell shape and actin microfilament organization. The objective of this study was to examine the modulation of chondrocyte phenotype by cultivation on polymer substrates containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). We observed differential arrangement of actin organization in articular chondrocytes, depending on PEG length. When cultivated on 300 g/mol PEG substrates at day 19, chondrocytes had lost intracellular markers characteristic of the differentiated phenotype, including type II collagen and protein kinase C (PKC). On these surfaces, chondrocytes also expressed focal adhesion and signaling proteins indicative of cell attachment, spreading, and FA turnover, including RhoA, focal adhesion kinase, and vinculin. The switch to a dedifferentiated chondrocyte phenotype correlated with integrin expression. Conversely, the expression of CD44 receptors coincided with chondrogenic characteristics, suggesting that binding via these receptors could play a role in maintaining the differentiated phenotype on such substrates. These effects can be similar to those of compounds that interfere in intracellular signaling pathways and can be utilized to engineer cellular response.

Rat costochondral cell characteristics on poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) scaffolds

This study was designed to examine the adhesion, proliferation, and morphology of chondrocytes on new scaffolds; and to examine these cells histologically for the ability of the chondrocytes to maintain chondrogenic properties after subcutaneous implantation into nude mice. Both 75:25 poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (75PLC) and 50:50 poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-capro-lactone) scaffold (50PLC) were tested as a scaffold for rat costochondral resting zone chondrocytes in comparison with a type I collagen sponge scaffold (collagen scaffold). Both of the poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) scaffolds (75PLC and 50PLC) were coated with type I collagen solution and the effects of the collagen coat (hybrid-PLC) were also examined. The hybrid-75PLC bound the same number of cells as the collagen scaffold, whereas the 75PLC and the 50PLC bound 60% and 50% fewer cells than the collagen scaffold, respectively. The cell growth on the scaffolds progressed with culture time in all scaffolds. Cell morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy for differences in the structure of cellular interaction. Chondrocytes on every scaffold maintained a spherical shape. The hybrid-PLCs were superior to the PLCs with respect to the number of cells attached. The PLCs had an advantageous degradation characteristic in that they retained their original shape better than the collagen scaffold. Additionally, in the PLCs seeded, the cells retained their integrity 4 weeks after implantation, although the volume of collagen scaffold decreased by 50%.

The attachment and growth behavior of osteoblast-like cells on microtextured surfaces

In previous studies, we showed that the application of microgrooves on a surface can direct cellular morphology and the deposition of mineralized matrix of osteoblast-like cells (Biomaterials 20 (1999) 1293; Clin. Oral Impl Res. 11 (2000) 325). In this study, we evaluated the attachment and growth behavior of these cells, using scanning- and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Smooth and microgrooved polystyrene substrates were made (groove depth 0.5-1.5 microm, groove- and ridge width 1-10 microm). On these substrates, osteoblast-like cells were cultured for periods up to 16 days. SEM showed that the cells, and their extensions, closely followed the surface on smooth and wider grooved (>5 microm) substrates. In contrast, narrow grooves (<2 microm) were bridged. After 16 days of incubation, the matrix showed extensive deposition of collagen fibrils, and the formation of calcified nodules. With TEM it was shown that on the smooth and wider grooved substrates, focal adhesions were spread throughout the surface. However, on narrow grooves focal adhesions were always positioned on the edges of surface ridges only. Apparently, most extracellular matrix (ECM) was produced by the cells that directly adhered to the substrate. Deposition of ECM was seen in the surface grooves, as well as in between the cell layers. On basis of the current study and previous experiments, we conclude that microgrooves are able to influence bone cell behavior by (1) determining the alignment of cells and cellular extensions, (2) altering the formation and placement of cell focal adhesions, and (3) altering ECM production. Therefore, microgrooved surfaces seem interesting to be applied on bone-anchored implants.

Rat bone marrow cell response to titanium and titanium alloy with different surface roughness

In general, cell response is affected by both chemical composition and surface roughness of implant materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of titanium (Ti) chemical composition and surface roughness on the response of rat bone marrow cells, examining cell attachment, cell proliferation, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bone-like nodule formation. Cells were cultured on both commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium-6-aluminum-4-vanadium alloy (Ti-A) discs with four different average roughnesses (Ra). For attachment evaluation, cells were cultured for 2 h. After 14 days, cell proliferation, total protein content, and ALP activity were evaluated. Bone-like nodule formation was evaluated after 21 days. Data were compared by anova and Duncan's multiple range test when appropriate. Cell attachment and total protein content were affected by neither Ti chemical composition (P = 0.201, and P = 0.639, respectively) or surface roughness (P = 0.972, and P = 0.660, respectively). Proliferation, ALP activity, and bone-like nodule formation were affected only by Ti chemical composition (P = 0.0001, P = 0.064, and P = 0.0001, respectively). These results suggest that cpTi would optimize osteoblastic differentiation by rat bone marrow cells, including reduced cell proliferation, and increased ALP activity and bone-like nodule formation, while surface roughness, within the Ra parameters used, would not affect significantly the rat bone marrow cell response.

Articular cartilage repair using a tissue-engineered cartilage-like implant: an animal study

OBJECTIVE

Because articular cartilage has limited ability to repair itself, treatment of (osteo)chondral lesions remains a clinical challenge. We aimed to evaluate how well a tissue-engineered cartilage-like implant, derived from chondrocytes cultured in a novel patented, scaffold-free bioreactor system, would perform in minipig knees with chondral, superficial osteochondral, and full-thickness articular defects.

DESIGN

For in vitro implant preparation, we used full-thickness porcine articular cartilage and digested chondrocytes. Bioreactors were seeded with 20x10(6) cells and incubated for 3 weeks. Subsequent to culture, tissue cartilage-like implants were divided for assessment of viability, formaldehyde-fixed and processed by standard histological methods. Some samples were also prepared for electron microscopy (TEM). Proteoglycans and collagens were identified and quantified by SDS-PAGE gels. For in vivo studies in adult minipigs, medial parapatellar arthrotomy was performed unilaterally. Three types of defects were created mechanically in the patellar groove of the femoral condyle. Tissue-engineered cartilage-like implants were placed using press-fit fixation, without supplementary fixation devices. Control defects were not grafted. Animals could bear full weight with an unlimited range of motion. At 4 and 24 weeks postsurgery, explanted knees were assessed using the modified ICRS classification for cartilage repair.

RESULTS

After 3-4 weeks of bioreactor incubation, cultured chondrocytes developed a 700-microm- to 1-mm-thick cartilage-like tissue. Cell density was similar to that of fetal cartilage, and cells stained strongly for Alcian blue and safranin O. The percentage of viable cells remained nearly constant (approximately 90%). Collagen content was similar to that of articular cartilage, as shown by SDS-PAGE. At explantation, the gross morphological appearance of grafted defects appeared like normal cartilage, whereas controls showed irregular fibrous tissue covering the defect. Improved histologic appearance was maintained for 6 months postoperatively. Although defects were not always perfectly level upon implantation at explanation the implant level matched native cartilage levels with no tissue hypertrophy. Once in place, implants remodelled to tissues with decreased cell density and a columnar organization.

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of cartilage defects with a tissue-engineered implant yielded a consistent gross cartilage repair with a matrix predominantly composed of type II collagen up to 6 months after implantation. This initial result holds promise for the use of this unique bioreactor/tissue-engineered implant in humans.

Effect of material geometry on cartilagenous tissue formation in vitro

The effect of material geometry, as defined by average pore size, on chondrocyte phenotype and cartilagenous tissue formation in vitro was examined. Bovine articular chondrocytes were plated on porous titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) discs of different average pore sizes (13, 43, and 68 microm) and grown in culture for 4 weeks. Chondrocyte phenotype was maintained as indicated by the synthesis of large proteoglycans (Kav +/- SD: 13 microm = 0.28 +/- 0.01; 43 microm = 0.29 +/- 0.01; 68 microm = 0.27 +/- 0.02) and type II collagen. Light microscopical examination of histological sections of the composites showed that cartilagenous tissue had formed on all discs. The cartilagenous tissue on the discs of the smallest average pore size (13 microm) was significantly thicker than the tissue on the discs of larger average pore sizes and also had greater amounts of proteoglycan [mean glycosaminoglycan content +/- SD microg/disc): 13 microm = 246.9 +/- 7.8; 43 microm = 190.4 +/- 10.2; 68 microm = 156.6 +/- 25.8, p = 0.002] and DNA [mean DNA content +/- SD microg/disc): 13 microm = 12.5 +/- 0.6; 43 microm = 8.3 +/- 0.2; 68 microm = 9.3 +/- 0.9, p = 0.0008]. However, the amount of proteoglycan accumulated per cell was similar in the tissues generated on the discs of different average pore sizes. In contrast, the amount of collagen in the cartilagenous tissues showed no significant differences between the different pore sizes, but the amount of collagen accumulated per cell was less in the tissue formed on the smallest pore size disc (13 microm) as compared with the tissue formed on the discs of the larger pore sizes [mean hydroxyproline content/DNA (microg/microg) +/- SD: 13 microm = 1.56 +/- 0.2; 43 microm = 2.19 +/- 0.2; 68 microm = 2.3 +/- 0.3]. These results suggest that material geometry, as defined by pore size, can affect the amount and composition of the cartilagenous tissue that forms.

A comparison of the surface characteristics and ion release of Ti6Al4V and heat-treated Ti6Al4V

This work seeks to investigate the nanosurface characteristics and ion release for a Ti6Al4V alloy prepared by various methods (as received and heat treated at 1300 degrees C for 2 h) with three different passivation treatments (34% nitric acid passivation, 400 degrees C heating in air, and aging in 100 degrees C deionized water). The surface and nanosurface composition are not related to the surface passivation treatments and experimental materials as evaluated by energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. After passivation and autoclaving treatments, the specimens were immersed in 8.0 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in Hank's solution and maintained at 37 degrees C for periods of time up to 16 days. The 400 degrees C treated specimens exhibit a substantial reduction in constituent release, which may be attributed to the thicker thickness and rutile structure of the surface oxides. After soaking in Hank's-EDTA solution, a significant time-related decrease in constituent release rate is observed for all kinds of specimens throughout the 0-16 day experimental period. The thicker oxides may be a factor in the improved dissolution resistance. Upon immersion, nonelemental Ca and P are both detected on the surfaces of all kinds of specimens by XPS analysis, and this could be explained by the existence of two types of hydroxyl groups (acidic and basic OH groups) on the oxide surface of the specimens.

Osteoblast proliferation and differentiation on dentin slices are modulated by pretreatment of the surface with tetracycline or osteoclasts

BACKGROUND

Implant surface roughness and chemical composition, as well as other factors, affect the ability of osteogenic cells to form bone adjacent to an implant. The same principles may also apply to the tooth root and some reports have shown that surface modification of the root may lead to improved restoration of the periodontal apparatus. The most common of these surface modification techniques involves demineralization with citric acid or treatment with tetracycline to expose collagen fibrils. In addition, during normal bone remodeling, osteoclasts demineralize the extracellular matrix, leaving resorption pits and exposed collagen fibrils. In this study, the effect of different dentin surface-preparation techniques on osteoblasts were compared.

METHODS

Slices of sperm whale dentin were mechanically polished and surfaces were treated with tetracycline-HCl (TCN) or were cultured with mouse bone marrow cells to create a surface with osteoclast (OC) resorption pits or left untreated. Profilometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the 3 different dentin surfaces. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on the 3 different surfaces and the effect of dentin surface preparation technique on MG63 cell proliferation (cell number), differentiaton (alkaline phosphatase specific activity of isolated cells and cell layer lysates; osteocalcin production), and local factor production (transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) compared.

RESULTS

Profilometry showed the polished and TCN surfaces were smooth with comparable Ra values, whereas the OC surfaces were slightly rougher due to resorption pits which covered 3.7% of the surface. XPS measurements showed that TCN treatment reduced the Ca and P content of the surface, indicating that it had dissolved the mineral. Osteoclast-resorption also reduced the Ca and P content, but to a lesser extent. MG63 cell proliferation on polished dentin and tissue culture polystyrene was equivalent. In contrast, cells grown on the TCN- and OC-treated surfaces exhibited increased proliferation. No effect of surface treatment on cell alkaline phosphatase activity was observed, but activity in the cell layer lysates was increased on the TCN- and OC-treated surfaces. Osteocalcin production was reduced on all dentin surfaces, but the greatest reduction was found on the TCN-treated surface. Production of both TGF-beta1 and PGE2 was increased on the treated surfaces. All effects were greatest in cultures grown on the TCN-treated dentin.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that demineralization of the dentin surface promotes proliferation of osteoblasts and early differentiation events like production of alkaline phosphatase and autocrine mediators such as PGE2 and TGF-beta1. However, later differentiation events like osteocalcin production are decreased. Osteoclast-mediated bone resorption elicits similar responses; less than 4% of the dentin surface resulted in approximately 75% of the response caused by TCN treatment. These observations suggest that greater attention should be paid to the effects of osteoclastic resorption in designing methods for enhancing bone and cementum formation adjacent to root surfaces.

An in vitro investigation of the PEMA/THFMA polymer system as a biomaterial for cartilage repair

A polymer system consisting of poly(ethyl methacrylate)/tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (PEMA/THFMA) was investigated as a biomaterial for cartilage repair using chondrocyte culture. The PEMA/THFMA system and Thermanox control were shown to support chondrocytes seeded directly onto the surface for up to 28 days in culture. Differences were seen between the PEMA/THFMA system and Thermanox in DNA content, proliferation and glycosaminoglycon (GAG) synthesis. There was a significantly greater medium: cell GAG ratio for the PEMA/THFMA system compared to Thermanox. A greater number of chondrocytes isolated from the superficial zone of bovine cartilage attached to the PEMA/THFMA system compared to cells isolated from the deep zone, whereas the converse was seen for Thermanox. Matrix constituents including collagen type II were synthesised indicating that the differentiated phenotype was maintained for some of the chondrocytes, although the production of type I collagen indicated that dedifferentiation of some of the chondrocytes had occurred. In conclusion, this study has shown that the PEMA/THFMA system can support chondrocytes in vitro and together with further investigations could lead to the development of the polymer as an ideal candidate for articular cartilage repair.

In vitro growth and activity of primary chondrocytes on a resorbable polylactide three-dimensional scaffold

Sheep articular chondrocytes were cultured for 3, 6, and 9 weeks on a three-dimensional porous scaffold from poly(L/DL-lactide) 80/20%. Cell growth and activity was estimated from the amount of proteoglycans attached to the polylactide scaffold and the amounts of DNA and proteins measured in the cell lysate. Cell morphology was assessed from scanning electron microscopy. Histochemical staining of proteoglycans present in the sponge was used to visualize the chondrocyte ingrowth in the scaffold. The amounts of DNA, proteins, and proteoglycans increased with time of culturing. Chondrocytes on the polylactide scaffold maintained their round shape. The cell ingrowth into the sponge progressed with time of culturing and proceeded from the upper surface of the sponge toward its lower surface. At 9 weeks, the chondrocytes filled the whole scaffold and reached the opposite side of the sponge. The proteoglycans network was, however, more dense at the upper half of the scaffold.

Osseointegration of endodontic endosseous cones: zirconium oxide vs titanium

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the osseointegration of zirconium oxide (ZrO(2)) ceramic cones in comparison with that of titanium cones in apicectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

To evaluate the bone/implant interface, 20 ZrO(2) cones and 20 titanium cones were inserted into the mandibles of 4 Göttinger minipigs. During the 6-month healing period, intravital polychrome sequence marking was performed. Qualitative light microscopic, fluorescence microscopic, and quantitative histomorphometric assessment was carried out. Differences between continuous histomorphometric measures were tested through use of a 2-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Light microscopy revealed zones of direct bone contact with the ZrO(2) and titanium surfaces. Fluorescence microscopy revealed remodeling processes directly adjacent to both material surfaces. There was no significant difference in the distances of the fluorescence bands of each fluorescence marker for either the ZrO(2) surfaces or the titanium surfaces. Quantitatively and histomorphometrically, the mean ratio between the total cone/bone contact and the total cone/fibrous tissue contact was 0.95 (SD 1.10) on the titanium surface (n = 38) and 1.47 (SD 1.12) on the ZrO(2) surface (n = 78; P =.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The qualitative results show that the biocompatibility of ZrO(2) was similar to that of titanium. The use of ZrO(2) cones for sealing purposes in resected teeth after apicectomy appears to be acceptable.

Surface roughness mediates its effects on osteoblasts via protein kinase A and phospholipase A2

Earlier studies have shown that implant surface roughness influences osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis and local factor production. Moreover, the responsiveness of osteoblasts to systemic hormones, such as 1,25-(OH)2D3, at the implant surface is also influenced by surface roughness and this effect is mediated by changes in prostaglandins. At present, it is not known which signaling pathways are involved in mediating cell response to surface roughness and how 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment alters the activation of these pathways. This paper reviews a series of studies that have addressed this question. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) surfaces of two different roughnesses (Ra 0.54 and 4.92 microm) in the presence of control media or media containing 1,25-(OH)2D3 or 1,25-(OH)2D3 plus H8 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) or quinacrine (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor). At harvest, the effect of these treatments on cell number and alkaline phosphatase specific activity was measured. Compared to cultures grown on the smooth surface, cell number was reduced on the rough surface. 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibited cell number on both surfaces and inhibition of protein kinase A in the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 restored cell number to that seen in the control cultures. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 in the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 caused a further reduction in cell number on the smooth surface, and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the rough surface. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity was increased in cultures grown on the rough surface compared with those grown on the smooth surface; 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment increased enzyme specific activity on both surfaces. Cultures treated with H8 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 displayed enzyme specific activity that approximated that seen in control cultures. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 also inhibited the 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent effect on the smooth surface, but on the rough surface there was an inhibition of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 effect as well as a partial inhibition of the surface roughness-dependent effect. The results indicate that surface roughness and 1,25-(OH)2 D3 mediate their effects through phospholipase A2, which catalyzes one of the rate-limiting steps in prostaglandin E2 production. Further downstream, prostaglandin E2 activates protein kinase A.

Effect of surface roughness and composition on costochondral chondrocytes is dependent on cell maturation state

During endochondral bone formation, as occurs in fracture healing, chondrocytes are one of the first cells to see an implant surface. We tested the hypothesis that chemical composition and surface roughness affect chondrocyte differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production and that the nature of the response is dependent on the state of maturation of the cells. To do this, we harvested rat growth zone and resting zone chondrocytes and examined their response to smooth and rough disk surfaces manufactured from either commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy. Profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the surfaces. Average roughness values were 0.22 microm for smooth titanium surfaces, 0.23 microm for smooth titanium alloy surfaces, 4.24 microm for rough titanium surfaces, and 3.20 microm for rough titanium alloy surfaces. Cells were grown on the different disk surfaces until the cultures had reached confluence on plastic. The effect of the surfaces was determined by assaying cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation as measures of cell proliferation, cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity as markers of differentiation, and collagen production and [35S]sulfate incorporation as indicators of extracellular matrix production. In addition, the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor-beta were examined to measure changes in local factor synthesis. In growth zone and resting zone cultures, cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation were decreased on rough surfaces; however, this effect was greater on commercially pure titanium surfaces. Cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity were decreased in resting zone cells grown on rough surfaces. Cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity in growth zone cells was decreased on rough surfaces, whereas cell layer alkaline phosphatase specific activity was increased only in growth zone cells grown on rough commercially pure titanium surfaces. Resting zone cell collagen production was decreased only on rough commercially pure titanium, whereas in growth zone cells, collagen production was increased. Increased prostaglandin E2 release into the media was found for growth zone and resting zone cell cultures on the disks with rough surfaces. The observed effect was greater on rough commercially pure titanium. Production of transforming growth factor-beta by resting zones was similarly affected, whereas an increase in its production by growth zone cells was measured only on rough commercially pure titanium. These results indicate that surface roughness affects chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production and that these parameters are also affected by chemical composition. Furthermore, the nature and extent of the cell response is dependent on cell maturation. The overriding variable in response to an implant material, however, appears to be roughness of the surface.

Behavior of bone marrow cells cultured on three different coatings of gel-derived bioactive glass-ceramics at early stages of cell differentiation

Previous studies have shown different macrophage responses to three compact pellets (with slightly different chemical composition) of gel-derived bioactive glass-ceramics of the CaO-P2O5-SiO2 system. In the present study primary bone marrow cells directed in vitro to form osteoblastic or osteoclastic cells were cultivated on glass slides coated by these three glass-ceramics. Glass slides were used as controls. In osteoblastic cultures alkaline phosphatase activity varied, depending on the type of coatings. Northern analysis showed high mRNA expressions of bone-related proteins on both the glass-ceramics and control glass. Mineralized nodules were not formed on the control glass, but coating glass slides with the glass-ceramics promoted mineralization without any substantial differences between the types of coatings. In osteoclastic cultures, the normal morphology of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells on standard culture plates was altered on the control glass and the glass-ceramics. The number of these cells differed, depending on the type of coatings, with no particular differences in the arrangement of F-actin by these cells. These analyses demonstrate complete biocompatibility of the glass-ceramic coatings but not the control glass, on which the cells failed to form mineralized nodules. The phenotype expression of the cells appeared to be influenced by microstructure, surface roughness, and the general character of the coatings rather than their surface reactivity.

Comparison of growth and metabolism of avian osteoblasts on polished disks versus thin films of titanium alloy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using high vacuum, thermal evaporation to deposit thin films of Ti-6Al-4V onto plates for subsequent cell culture investigations. Osteoblastic response to thin-film coated plates was compared to that of cells grown on Ti alloy disk inserts and uncoated culture plates. The Ti alloy disks were polished, cleaned, and passivated following a commercial protocol for orthopedic implants. Mean surface roughness was 262 nm for the Ti alloy disks and 4.756 nm for the coated culture plates. Osteoblasts isolated from 16-day chick embryo calvariae were cultured on polystyrene, thin films, and disks. At confluence, the cells were cultured an additional 48 h and were evaluated for cell number (DNA content), rate of glycolysis (lactate production), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALPase), and collagenous (3H-proline hydroxylation) and noncollagenous protein synthesis. Cell morphology was similar for the controls, disks, and thin-film groups. DNA, lactate, cell layer ALPase, 3H-hydroxyproline, and noncollagenous protein were not different (p > 0.05) among the control, thin-film, and disk groups. Medium ALPase was lower (p < 0.05) in the thin-film group compared to the control group. Although aluminum and vanadium percentages varied from nominal in the thin-film groups (11Al-2V as opposed to 6Al-4V), avian osteoblasts responded similarly to the Ti alloy thin films, disks, and uncoated culture plates for the smooth surfaces tested. The thin-film cell culture system used for elemental material studies appears to offer a promising method for the investigation of cellular response to alloyed biomaterials as well. Proper adjustments in alloy percentages before deposition, however, need to be made if thermal evaporation is utilized.

Titanium surface roughness alters responsiveness of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3

Surface roughness has been shown to affect differentiation and local factor production of MG63 osteoblast-like cells. This study examined whether surface roughness alters cellular response to circulating hormones such as 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. Unalloyed titanium (Ti) disks were pretreated with HF/HNO3 (PT) and then were machined and acid-etched (MA). Ti disks also were sandblasted (SB), sandblasted and acid etched (CA), or plasma sprayed with Ti particles (PS). The surfaces, from smoothest to roughest, were: PT, MA, CA, SB, and PS. MG63 cells were cultured to confluence on standard tissue culture polystyrene (plastic) or the Ti surfaces and then treated for 24 h with either 10(-8) M or 10(-7) M 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 or vehicle (control). Cellular response was measured by assaying cell number, cell layer alkaline phosphatase specific-activity, and the production of osteocalcin, latent (L) TGF beta, and PGE2. Alkaline phosphatase activity was affected by surface roughness; as the surface became rougher, the cells showed a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Addition of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to the cultures caused a dose-dependent stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity that was synergistic with the effect caused by surface roughness alone. 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 also caused a synergistic increase in osteocalcin production as well as local factor (LTGF beta and PGE2) production on the rougher CA, SB, and PS surfaces, but it had no effect on the production on smooth surfaces. The inhibitory effect of surface roughness on cell number was not affected by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 except on the SB surface. 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 decreased cell number, increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin production, and had no effect on LTGF beta or PGE2 production by MG63 cells grown on tissue culture polystyrene. These data suggest that bone cell response to systemic hormones is modified by surface roughness and that surface roughness increases the responsiveness of MG63 cells to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. They also suggest that the endocrine system is actively involved in normal bone healing around implants.

Behavior of fetal rat chondrocytes cultured on a bioactive glass-ceramic

We examined the behavior of fetal rat chondrocytes cultured on a bioactive glass-ceramic containing apatite and wollastonite (A.W.G.C.). Biomaterial surface topography and profiles were evaluated by bidimensional profilometry and revealed a rough surface for the glass-ceramic compared to the plastic coverslips used as controls. Chondrocyte attachment was evaluated by measuring the number of attached cells after one day of culture and by morphological observations. Chondrocytes attached in great numbers to the material surface by means of focal contacts containing vinculin and beta1-integrin. Fluorescent labeling of actin and vimentin revealed a poor spreading of chondrocytes on the bioactive glass-ceramic compared to the plastic coverslips, where the cells appeared to adhere intimately to the surface and exhibited polygonal arrays of stress fibers. During the following days of culture, chondrocytes proliferated, colonized the surface of the material, and, finally, on day 10, formed nodular structures composed of round cells separated by a dense extracellular matrix. Furthermore, these clusters of round cells were positive for type II collagen and chondroitin sulfate, both hard markers of the chondrocyte phenotype. In addition, protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, and proteoglycan production were found to increase gradually during the culture period with a pattern similar to that observed on control cultures. These results demonstrate that the bioactive glass-ceramic tested in this study appears to be a suitable substrate for in vitro chondrocyte attachment, differentiation, and matrix production.

Underlying mechanisms at the bone-surface interface during regeneration

The goal of regenerative therapy around teeth and implants is to create a suitable environment in which the natural biological potential for functional regeneration of periodontal ligament and/or bone can be maximized. In order for the regenerative process to be successful, the following factors must be addressed: prevention of acute inflammation from bacteria, mechanical stability of the wound, creation and maintenance of blood clot-filled space, isolation of the regenerative space from undesirable competing tissue types, and the creation of a desirable surface chemistry, energy, roughness and microtopography that can directly influence cellular response, ultimately affecting the rate and quality of new tissue formation and, therefore, the regeneration process. This paper will review how surface characteristics (chemistry and roughness) can affect cell response and local factor production. To evaluate the effect of surface chemistry on cell proliferation and differentiation costochondral chondrocytes were grown on standard tissue culture plastic dishes sputter-coated with different materials. The results indicate that surface materials can elicit differential responses in cell metabolism and phenotypic expression in vitro. In a second study, the effect of varying titanium surface roughnesses on osteoblast-like cell behavior was examined. Surface roughness was found to alter osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and matrix production in vitro. In addition, production of PGE2 and TGF beta by these cells was also shown to increase with increasing surface roughness, indicating that substrate surface roughness also affects cytokine and growth factor production. The role of surface roughness in determining cellular response was further explored by comparing the response of osteoblasts grown on new and previously used surfaces. The results of these latter studies showed that cell proliferation, expression of differentiation markers and overall matrix production are not altered when cells are grown on used vs. virgin surfaces. This suggests the possibility that implants may be re-used, especially in the same patient, if they are appropriately treated. In this context, it should also be noted that rougher titanium surfaces may require more extensive cleaning procedures. From a global perspective, these studies provide some insight into how bone regeneration can be optimized in the presence of an implant or tooth root residing at the site of a bony defect. Since the new bone being produced, during regeneration, grows from a distal area toward the implant or tooth root surface, it is hypothesized that the osteoblasts growing on the surface of the implant may produce local factors that can affect the bone healing process distally. In short, it appears that the surface characteristics of an implant, particularly roughness, may direct tissue healing and, therefore, subsequent implant success in sites of regeneration by modulating osteoblast phenotypic expression.

Antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine on bacteria adsorbed onto experimental dental plaque

The most common method used to examine the antibacterial effect of antiplaque agents is the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method, which is tested on bacteria in suspensions. Examining the antibacterial effect on bacteria adsorbed onto dental surfaces models is not as popular, although it is clear that such models reflect the conditions in the oral cavity far more accurately than the conventional MIC method. The antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) on bacteria adsorbed onto experimental dental plaque model was investigated. Hydroxyapatite beads were coated with human saliva. Next, cell-free fructosyltransferase (FTF) and glucosyltransferase (GTF) were adsorbed onto the beads, and sucrose was added to allow the synthesis of polysaccharide by the surface-bound enzymes. Following adsorption of Streptococcus sobrinus to the experimental dental plaque (EDP), the EDP was exposed to CHX at concentrations between 0.008 to 0.0002% at pH values of 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5. After 150 min incubation, growth of the adsorbed bacteria was measured by their incorporation of 3H-uridine or 3H-thymidine. Comparison of bacterial growth on the EDP with that in suspension showed that the surface-bound bacteria were less sensitive to CHX than were the bacteria in suspension. At all tested CHX concentrations, the antibacterial effect was independent of pH. In addition, under our experimental conditions, the use of 3H-uridine as an indicator of bacterial viability proved to be more sensitive than 3H-thymidine. The antibacterial effect of an agent in a model closely mimicking the tooth surface should generate results that are more relevant to the in vivo conditions than are conventional methods, thus bearing significant information concerning clinical applications of CHX.

The role of implant surface characteristics in the healing of bone

The surface of an implant determines its ultimate ability to integrate into the surrounding tissue. The composite effect of surface energy, composition, roughness, and topography plays a major role during the initial phases of the biological response to the implant, such as protein adsorption and cellular adherence, as well as during the later and more chronic phases of the response. For bone, the successful incorporation (and hence rigid fixation) of an alloplastic material within the surrounding bony bed is called osteointegration. The exact surface characteristics necessary for optimal osteointegration, however, remain to be elucidated. This review will focus on how surface characteristics, such as composition and roughness, affect cellular response to an implant material. Data from two different culture systems suggest that these characteristics play a significant role in the recruitment and maturation of cells along relevant differentiation pathways. In the case of osteointegration, if the implant surface is inappropriate or less than optimal, cells will be unable to produce the appropriate complement of autocrine and paracrine factors required for adequate stimulation of osteogenesis at the implant site. In contrast, if the surface is appropriate, cells at the implant surface will stimulate interactions between cells at the surface and those in distal tissues. This, in turn, will initiate a timely sequence of events which include cell proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production, thereby resulting in the successful incorporation of the implant into the surrounding bony tissue.

Surface roughness modulates the local production of growth factors and cytokines by osteoblast-like MG-63 cells

Titanium (Ti) surface roughness affects proliferation, differentiation, and matrix production of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Cytokines and growth factors produced in the milieu surrounding an implant may also be influenced by its surface, thereby modulating the healing process. This study examined the effect of surface roughness on the production of two factors known to have potent effects on bone, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). MG-63 cells were cultured on Ti disks of varying roughness. The surfaces were ranked from smoothest to roughest: electropolished (EP), pretreated with hydrofluoric acid-nitric acid (PT), fine sand-blasted, etched with HCl and H2SO4, and washed (EA), coarse sand-blasted, etched with HCl and H2SO4, and washed (CA), and Ti plasma-sprayed (TPS). Cells were cultured in 24-well polystyrene (plastic) dishes as controls and to determine when confluence was achieved. Media were collected and cell number determined 24 h postconfluence. PGE2 and TGF-beta 1 levels in the conditioned media were determined using commercial radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, respectively. There was an inverse relationship between cell number and Ti surface roughness. Total PGE2 content in the media of cultures grown on the three roughest surfaces (FA, CA, and TPS) was significantly increased 1.5-4.0 times over that found in media of cultures grown on plastic or smooth surfaces. When PGE2 production was expressed per cell number, CA and TPS cultures exhibited six- to eightfold increases compared to cultures on plastic and smooth surfaces. There was a direct relationship between TGF-beta 1 production and surface roughness, both in terms of total TGF-beta 1 per culture and when normalized for cell number. TGF-beta 1 production on rough surfaces (CA and TPS) was three to five times higher than on plastic. These studies indicate that substrate surface roughness affects cytokine and growth factor production by MG-63 cells, suggesting that surface roughness may modulate the activity of cells interacting with an implant, and thereby affect tissue healing and implant success.

Effect of titanium surface roughness on chondrocyte proliferation, matrix production, and differentiation depends on the state of cell maturation

Although it is well accepted that implant success is dependent on various surface properties, little is known about the effect of surface roughness on cell metabolism or differentiation, or whether the effects vary with the maturational state of the cells interacting with the implant. In the current study, we examined the effect of titanium (Ti) surface roughness on chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis using cells derived from known stages of endochondral development. Chondrocytes derived from the resting zone (RCs) and growth zone (GCs) of rat costochondral cartilage were cultured on Ti disks that were prepared as follows: HF-HNO3-treated and washed (PT); PT-treated and electropolished (EP); fine sand-blasted, HCl-H2SO4-etched, and washed (FA); coarse sand-blasted, HCl-H2SO4-etched, and washed (CA); or Ti plasma-sprayed (TPS). Based on surface analysis, the Ti surfaces were ranked from smoothest to roughest: EP, PT, FA, CA, and TPS. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell number and [3H]-thymidine incorporation, and RNA synthesis was assessed by [3H]-uridine incorporation. Differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase specific activity (AL-Pase). Matrix production was measured by [3H]-proline incorporation into collagenase-digestible (CDP) and noncollagenase-digestible (NCP) protein and by [35S]-sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan. GCs required two trypsinizations for complete removal from the culture disks; the number of cells released by the first trypsinization was generally decreased with increasing surface roughness while that released by the second trypsinization was increased. In RC cultures, cell number was similarly decreased on the rougher surfaces; only minimal numbers of RCs were released by a second trypsinization. [3H]-thymidine incorporation by RCs decreased with increasing surface roughness while that by GCs was increased. [3H]-Uridine incorporation by both GCs and RCs was greater on rough surfaces. Conversely, ALPase in the cell layer and isolated cells of both cell types was significantly decreased. GC CDP and NCP production was significantly decreased on rough surfaces while CDP production by RC cells was significantly decreased on smooth surfaces. [35S]-sulfate incorporation by RCs and GCs was decreased on all surfaces compared to tissue culture plastic. The results of this study indicate that surface roughness affects chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis, and that this regulation is cell maturation dependent.

Effect of titanium surface roughness on chondrocyte proliferation, matrix production, and differentiation depends on the state of cell maturation

Although it is well accepted that implant success is dependent on various surface properties, little is known about the effect of surface roughness on cell metabolism or differentiation, or whether the effects vary with the maturational state of the cells interacting with the implant. In the current study, we examined the effect of titanium (Ti) surface roughness on chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis using cells derived from known stages of endochondral development. Chondrocytes derived from the resting zone (RCs) and growth zone (GCs) of rat costochondral cartilage were cultured on Ti disks that were prepared as follows: HF-HNO3-treated and washed (PT); PT-treated and electropolished (EP); fine sand-blasted, HCl-H2SO4-etched, and washed (FA); coarse sand-blasted, HCl-H2SO4-etched, and washed (CA); or Ti plasma-sprayed (TPS). Based on surface analysis, the Ti surfaces were ranked from smoothest to roughest: EP, PT, FA, CA, and TPS. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell number and [3H]-thymidine incorporation, and RNA synthesis was assessed by [3H]-uridine incorporation. Differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase specific activity (AL-Pase). Matrix production was measured by [3H]-proline incorporation into collagenase-digestible (CDP) and noncollagenase-digestible (NCP) protein and by [35S]-sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan. GCs required two trypsinizations for complete removal from the culture disks; the number of cells released by the first trypsinization was generally decreased with increasing surface roughness while that released by the second trypsinization was increased. In RC cultures, cell number was similarly decreased on the rougher surfaces; only minimal numbers of RCs were released by a second trypsinization. [3H]-thymidine incorporation by RCs decreased with increasing surface roughness while that by GCs was increased. [3H]-Uridine incorporation by both GCs and RCs was greater on rough surfaces. Conversely, ALPase in the cell layer and isolated cells of both cell types was significantly decreased. GC CDP and NCP production was significantly decreased on rough surfaces while CDP production by RC cells was significantly decreased on smooth surfaces. [35S]-sulfate incorporation by RCs and GCs was decreased on all surfaces compared to tissue culture plastic. The results of this study indicate that surface roughness affects chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis, and that this regulation is cell maturation dependent.

Uptake and biodistribution of 99mtechnetium methylene-[32P] diphosphonate during endosteal healing around titanium, stainless steel and hydroxyapatite implants in rat tibial bone

Early evaluation of intraosseous implant success and failure is critical, but, until now, there have been no reliable systems of measurement. The present study assessed whether the use of 99mtechnetium methylene-[32P]diphosphonate (99mTcMD32P), a marker for both bone formation and mineralization, can indicate if an implant is bone-bonding or non-bonding. Moreover, this study examined how bone-bonding (titanium and hydroxyapatite) and non-bonding (stainless steel) implants affected the normal healing of bone after marrow ablation, as measured by uptake of 99mTc and 32P. Titanium, hydroxyapatite and stainless steel implants were placed in the right tibiae of Sabra strain rats following ablation of the marrow, and 99mTcMD32P was injected 18 h before harvest. AT 3, 6, 14, 21 and 42 d (and in some experiments, on days 28 and 35) post-injury, the treated and contralateral tibiae were removed and cleaned of soft tissue. The uptake of 99mTc and 32P was measured in the whole bone, as well as in its organic and inorganic phases. Effects of the implants were assessed by comparing the treated to the untreated tibia in each rat. The distribution of 99mTc and 32P varied with each implant. After the insertion of titanium, increased 99mTc uptake was seen in whole bone and in the inorganic and organic phases at days 6-14. 32P uptake in whole bone and in the inorganic phase increased only at day 6, and 32P uptake was decreased in the organic phase at that time. In tibiae implanted with hydroxyapatite, 99mTc and 32P uptake was seen in the whole bone at days 6 and 14. While 99mTc uptake was increased in both the organic and inorganic phases, 32P uptake into the organic phase was decreased at both day 6 and day 14. In tibiae implanted with stainless steel, effects were observed only on day 6. The increased 99mTc uptake in whole bone reflected increases in both the organic and mineral phases. Increased 32P uptake was observed in whole bone as well, due to an increase in the 32P uptake in the mineral phase only; incorporation of 32P in the organic phase was comparable to that found in the contralateral limb. The results of this study indicate that implants alter bone healing, as indicated by the uptake of 99mTc and 32P in the different bone compartments. Moreover, decreased 32P uptake by the organic phase in the presence of bone-bonding implants suggests that cleavage of 99mTcMD32P into its technetium and methylene diphosphonate moieties was inhibited, perhaps as a function of the onset of calcification in the newly synthesized osteoid. The effect of the implants on bone healing was observed on days 6-14, when active bone formation and mineralization were occurring, supporting the hypothesis that these materials events associated with initial calcification. Uptake of 99mTc varies as a function of time, and uptake of 32P varies with time and distribution in the mineral or organic phase of bone, suggesting that these parameters may be useful as indicators of bone-bonding.

Effect of titanium surface roughness on proliferation, differentiation, and protein synthesis of human osteoblast-like cells (MG63)

The effect of surface roughness on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and protein synthesis was examined. Human osteoblast-like cells (MG63) were cultured on titanium (Ti) disks that had been prepared by one of five different treatment regimens. All disks were pretreated with hydrofluroic acid-nitric acid and washed (PT). PT disks were also: washed, and then electropolished (EP); fine sandblasted, etched with HCl and H2SO4, and washed (FA); coarse sandblasted, etched with HCl and H2SO4, and washed (CA); or Ti plasma-sprayed (TPS). Standard tissue culture plastic was used as a control. Surface topography and profile were evaluated by brightfield and darkfield microscopy, cold field emission scanning electron microscopy, and laser confocal microscopy, while chemical composition was mapped using energy dispersion X-ray analysis and elemental distribution determined using Auger electron spectroscopy. The effect of surface roughness on the cells was evaluated by measuring cell number, [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, alkaline phosphatase specific activity, [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA, [3H]proline incorporation into collagenase digestible protein (CDP) and noncollagenase-digestible protein (NCP), and [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan. Based on surface analysis, the five different Ti surfaces were ranked in order of smoothest to roughest: EP, PT, FA, CA, and TPS. A TiO2 layer was found on all surfaces that ranged in thickness from 100 A in the smoothest group to 300 A in the roughest. When compared to confluent cultures of cells on plastic, the number of cells was reduced on the TPS surfaces and increased on the EP surfaces, while the number of cells on the other surfaces was equivalent to plastic. [3H]Thymidine incorporation was inversely related to surface roughness. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity in isolated cells was found to decrease with increasing surface roughness, except for those cells cultured on CA. In contrast, enzyme activity in the cell layer was only decreased in cultures grown on FA- and TPS-treated surfaces. A direct correlation between surface roughness and RNA and CDP production was found. Surface roughness had no apparent effect on NCP production. Proteoglycan synthesis by the cells was inhibited on all the surfaces studied, with the largest inhibition observed in the CA and EP groups. These results demonstrate that surface roughness alters osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and matrix production in vitro. The results also suggest that implant surface roughness may play a role in determining phenotypic expression of cells in vivo.