The effect of cell monolayer density on the cytotoxicity of metal ions which are released from dental alloys

Cytotoxic evaluation of two orthodontic silver solder materials on human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells and the effects of antioxidant and antiapoptotic reagents

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cytotoxicity effects of two different solder materials used for orthodontic appliances on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) cells, and to determine whether the mechanism of toxicity may involve oxidative stress and apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The silver solder samples (Leone and Summit) were soldered to orthodontic stainless steel bands and exposed to HPLF cells via cell culture inserts for 48 hours. Cytotoxicity effect of the soldered materials on HPLF cells was measured via tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay (n = 10/sample) and morphological observation. In addition, the mechanism of cytotoxicity of the most toxic silver solder was investigated using both a caspase inhibitor Z-VAL-Ala-Asp-flu-oromethylketone (ZVAD-fmk) and the free radical scavenger Trolox (n = 8/sample). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni test. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Compared to the control (no treatment, cells only), both silver solders were cytotoxic (P < .001). The bands alone were significantly cytotoxic compared to the control. There was a significant difference in cytotoxicity between the stainless steel bands alone and the Summit silver solder (P < .001), but not the Leone silver solder. The Summit silver solder was more cytotoxic than the Leone silver solder (P < .05). MTT results were supported by the microscopic morphological changes of the HPLF cells. Neither ZVAD-fmk nor Trolox provided significant protection.

CONCLUSIONS

The two silver solder materials demonstrated different levels of cytotoxicity, and neither oxidative stress nor apoptosis is involved in the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

Test conditions can significantly affect the results of in vitro cytotoxicity testing of degradable metallic biomaterials

In vitro cytotoxicity testing is an indispensable part of the development of new biomaterials. However, the standard ISO 10993-5 enables variability in the testing conditions, which makes the results of the test incomparable. We studied the influence of media composition on the results of the cytotoxicity test. Solutions of ZnCl₂ served as simulated extracts and we also used extracts of three types of Zn-based and Mg-based degradable metals. We incubated the cells with the solutions prepared in two types of media with two concentrations of serum (5 and 10%). We compared the toxic effect of the extracts on L929 murine fibroblast-derived cell line, which is recommended by ISO standard and on “osteoblast-like cells” U-2 OS. We also compared two methods of exposition: solutions were added either to a sub-confluent layer or to the cell suspension. We evaluated the metabolic activity of the cells using the resazurin test. We found out that in vitro cytotoxicity is dramatically influenced by the concentration of serum and by the type of the medium as well as by the type of exposition and type of cells. Therefore, when performing in vitro cytotoxicity testing of biomaterials, the authors should carefully specify the conditions of the test and comparison of different studies should be carried out with caution.

Cytotoxicity of Biomaterials — Basic Mechanisms and In Vitro Test Methods: A Review

Biocompatibility is one of the main prerequisites for the clinical use of biomaterials. Central to the testing of biocompatibility is the estimation of cytotoxicity, which can be assessed in vitro by using a variety of different target primary cells or cell lines. The influence of toxic agents derived from biomaterials on cellular functions and cell viability can be characterised by reductions in cell adhesion, alterations in cellular morphology, reduced cellular proliferation, and cell death, demonstrated by an absence of metabolic activity, structural disintegration and cell lysis. A brief review of the basic mechanisms of cytotoxicity and the use of different in vitro methods for testing the cytotoxicity of biomaterials is presented.

Air-liquid interface culture changes surface properties of A549 cells

A549 cells are common models in the assessment of respiratory cytotoxicity. To provide physiologically more representative exposure conditions and increase the differentiation state, respiratory cells, for instance Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells, are cultured at an air-liquid interface (ALI). There are indications that A549 cells also change their phenotype upon culture in ALI. The influence of culture in two variations of transwell cultures compared to conventional culture in plastic wells on the phenotype of A549 cells was studied. Cells were characterized by morphology, proliferation and transepithelial electrical resistance, whole genome transcription analysis, Western blot and immunocytochemical detection of pro-surfactant proteins. Furthermore, lipid staining, surface morphology, cell elasticity, surface tension and reaction to quartz particles were performed. Relatively small changes were noted in the expression of differentiation markers for alveolar cells but A549 cells cultured in ALI showed marked differences in lipid staining and surface morphology, surface tension and cytotoxicity of quartz particles. Data show that changes in physiological reactions of A549 cells in ALI culture were rather caused by change of surface properties than by increased expression of surfactant proteins.

The common field lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol is a potential radiosensitizer in fish cells

PURPOSE

To evaluate if the common field lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) that is intended to eradicate the invasive species sea lampreys in the Great Lakes has the potential to sensitize radiation responses in cells from non-targeted native fish MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TFM toxicity was assessed acutely and chronically with the clonogenic fish cell line eelB. The acute toxicity (24-h exposure) was determined by the fluorescent cell viability probe Alamar Blue. The chronic toxicity was determined either by Alamar Blue (7-d exposure) or the clonogenic survival assay (14-d exposure). Pre- and post-exposure of fish cells to environmentally relevant TFM concentrations following gamma irradiation were performed. Clonogenic survival was determined to assess the damage level of radiation-induced reproductive cell death.

RESULTS

The chronic toxicity tests were more sensitive than the acute toxicity tests. The 14-d EC₅₀ using the clonogenic survival endpoint was 2.09 ± 0.28 μg/mL and was statistically similar to the 7-d EC₅₀ (1.85 ± 0.07 μg/mL) based on the Alamar Blue-based cytotoxicity endpoint. Post-exposure of cells to environmentally relevant TFM concentrations following irradiation did not have any effect as compared to the irradiation alone group. In contrast, pre-exposure of cells to TFM following irradiation had a negative additive effect when the total radiation dose was 2 Gy, but not 0.1 or 0.5 Gy.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the common field lampricide TFM is a potential radiation sensitizer in cells from non-targeted native fish. This could be a health problem of concern for non-targeted native fish if a large accidental radioactive release occurs.

Gallium-Loaded Dissolvable Microfilm Constructs that Provide Sustained Release of Ga(3+) for Management of Biofilms

The persistence of bacterial biofilms in chronic wounds delays wound healing. Although Ga(3+) can inhibit or kill biofilms, precipitation as Ga(OH)3 has prevented its use as a topical wound treatment. The design of a microfilm construct comprising a polyelectrolyte film that releases noncytotoxic concentrations of Ga(3+) over 20 d and a dissolvable micrometer-thick film of polyvinylalcohol that enables facile transfer onto biomedically important surfaces is reported. By using infrared spectroscopy, it is shown that the density of free carboxylate/carboxylic acid and amine groups within the polyelectrolyte film regulates the capacity of the construct to be loaded with Ga(3+) and that the density of covalent cross-links introduced into the polyelectrolyte film (amide-bonds) controls the release rate of Ga(3+) . Following transfer onto the wound-contact surface of a biologic wound dressing, an optimized construct is demonstrated to release ≈0.7 μg cm(-2) d(-1) of Ga(3+) over 3 weeks, thus continuously replacing Ga(3+) lost to precipitation. The optimized construct inhibits formation of P. aeruginosa (two strains; ATCC 27853 and PA01) biofilms for up to 4 d and causes pre-existing biofilms to disperse. Overall, this study provides designs of polymeric constructs that permit facile modification of the wound-contacting surfaces of dressings and biomaterials to manage biofilms.

Biocorrosion properties of antibacterial Ti-10Cu sintered alloy in several simulated biological solutions

Ti-10Cu sintered alloy has shown strong antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli and good cell biocompatibility, which displays potential application in dental application. The corrosion behaviors of the alloy in five different simulated biological solutions have been investigated by electrochemical technology, surface observation, roughness measurement and immersion test. Five different simulated solutions were chosen to simulate oral condition, oral condition with F(-) ion, human body fluids with different pH values and blood system. It has been shown that Ti-10Cu alloy exhibits high corrosion rate in Saliva pH 3.5 solution and Saliva pH 6.8 + 0.2F solution but low corrosion rate in Hank's, Tyrode's and Saliva pH 6.8 solutions. The corrosion rate of Ti-10Cu alloy was in a order of Hank's, Tyrode's, Saliva pH 6.8, Saliva-pH 3.5 and Saliva pH 6.8 + 0.2F from slow to fast. All results indicated acid and F(-) containing conditions prompt the corrosion reaction of Ti-Cu alloy. It was suggested that the Cu ion release in the biological environments, especially in the acid and F(-) containing condition would lead to high antibacterial properties without any cell toxicity, displaying wide potential application of this alloy.

Cytotoxicity of alloying elements and experimental titanium alloys by WST-1 and agar overlay tests

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of nine types of pure metals using 36 experimental prosthetic titanium-based alloys containing 5, 10, 15, and 20wt% of each substituted metal.

METHODS

The cell viabilities for pure metals on Ti alloys that contain these elements were compared with that of commercially pure (CP) Ti using the WST-1 test and agar overlay test.

RESULTS

The ranking of pure metal cytotoxicity from most potent to least potent was: Co>Cu>In>Ag>Cr>Sn>Au>Pd>Pt>CP Ti. The cell viability ratios for pure Co, Cu, In, and Ag were 13.9±4.6%, 21.7±10.4%, 24.1±5.7%, and 24.8±6.0%, respectively, which were significantly lower than that for the control group (p<0.05). Pure Pd and Pt demonstrated good biocompatibility with cell viabilities of 93.8±9.6% and 97.2±7.1%, respectively. The Ti-5Pd alloy exhibited the highest cell viability (128.4±21.4%), which was greater than that of CP Ti. By alloying pure Co or Cu with Ti, the cell viabilities for the Ti-xCo and Ti-xCu alloys increased significantly up to 10wt% of the alloying element followed by a gradual decrease with a further increase in the concentration of the alloying element. Based on the agar overlay test, pure Ag, Co, Cr, Cu, and In were ranked as 'moderately cytotoxic', whereas all Ti alloys were ranked as 'noncytotoxic'.

SIGNIFICANCE

The cytotoxicity of pure Ag, Co, Cr, Cu, and In suggests a need for attention in alloy design. The cytotoxicity of alloying elements became more biocompatible when they were alloyed with titanium. However, the cytotoxicity of titanium alloys was observed when the concentration of the alloying element exceeded its respective allowable limit. The results obtained in this study can serve as a guide for the development of new Ti-based alloy systems.

Polymers with tunable toxicity: a reference scale for cytotoxicity testing of biomaterial surfaces

A series of copolymers, with varying ratio di-methylamino-ethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) and methyl-methacrylate (MMA), was designed as a potential scale for cytotoxicity. These copolymers were characterized for toxicity of their surface. The surfaces of washed copolymers display increasing toxicity with increasing DMAEMA content. The toxicity was observed for three different cell-types, namely mouse fibroblasts, human endothelial cells and human osteoblast-like cells. With an increasing toxic surface, cell growth was inhibited as was indicated by the proliferation marker Ki-67. Staining for F-actin revealed that with increasing DMAEMA, cells adopted a more and more round morphology, resulting in decreased surface-contact area. Immuno-staining for phospho-tyrosine or vinculin demonstrated gradual loss of focal adhesions on increasingly toxic surfaces. Surprisingly loss of focal adhesions coincided with an increase in paxillin and vinculin protein, indicating cells try compensating for loss of adhesion. This series of copolymers may have potential as a cytotoxicity scale. They provoke cellular responses ranging from highly toxic to completely non-toxic, with some showing intermediate toxicity.

Effects of soluble metals on human peri-implant cells

Despite reports associating tissue necrosis with implant failure, the degree to which processes, such as metal toxicity, negatively impact implant performance is unknown. We evaluated representative human peri-implant cells (i.e., osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes) when challenged by Al+3, Co+2, Cr+3, Fe+3, Mo+5, Ni+2, and V+3 chloride solutions (and Na+2 as a control) over a wide range of concentrations (0.01-10.0 mM). Cell responses were measured using proliferation assays, viability assays, and microscopic cell morphology assessments. Differential effects were found to be less a function of the cell type than of the composition and concentration of metal challenge. No preferential immunosuppression was demonstrated. Below 0.01 mM, no metal was toxic. The most toxic metals (i.e., Co, Ni, and V) reduced proliferation (IC50), and viability (LC50) and cell morphology of osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes by <50% at challenge concentrations <1 mM. All other metals tested required >5 mM to exact the same responses. Below 1 mM, these toxic metals also induced alterations in all cell morphology consisting of loss of filopodia or lamellipodia or changes in cell shape. Metals that were toxic at clinically relevant concentrations (less than previously reported values in peri-implant tissues/fluids) include Co (0.6 mM), Ni (0.8 mM), V (0.5 mM) for lymphocytes and Co (0.8 mM), V (0.3 mM), Al (1-5 mM), Fe (1-5 mM) for fibroblasts, and Co (0.8 mM), Ni (0.7 mM), V (0.1 mM) for osteoblasts. Only Co and V were toxic in vitro at concentrations below that detected in vivo in synovial fluid (V at 0.1 mM and Co at 0.8 mM for fibroblasts, and V at 0.4 mM and Co at 0.8 mM on osteoblasts). Thus, soluble Co and V released from Co- and Ti-based alloys, respectively, could be implicated as the most likely to mediate cell toxicity in the periprosthetic milieu.

Cytocompatibility of self-assembled beta-hairpin peptide hydrogel surfaces

MAX1 is a 20 amino acid peptide that undergoes triggered self-assembly to form a rigid hydrogel. When dissolved in aqueous solutions, this peptide exists in an ensemble of random coil conformations rendering it fully soluble. The addition of an exogenous stimulus results in peptide folding into beta-hairpin conformation. This folded structure undergoes rapid assembly into a highly crosslinked hydrogel network. DMEM cell culture media is one stimulus able to initiate folding and consequent self-assembly of MAX1. The cytocompatibility of this gel towards NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts is demonstrated. Gels were shown to be non-toxic to the fibroblast cells. MAX1 hydrogels also foster the ability of the cells to attach to the hydrogel scaffold in the absence or presence of serum proteins. Additionally MAX1 hydrogels were able to support fibroblast proliferation to confluency with little effect on the rheological properties of the scaffold. MAX1 hydrogels meet the preliminary mechanical and cytocompatibiltiy requirements of a tissue engineering scaffold.

Cytotoxicity of precious and nonprecious alloys--experimental comparison of in vitro data from two laboratories

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate and compare the reproducibility of cytotoxicity data generated in two different laboratories using the same testing protocols. A series of dental alloys that are widely used in both countries were chosen. These alloys (five precious, two nonprecious) were wet ground up to 1200 grit SiC, sterilized in 70% ethanol, and extracted in sterile culture medium for 7 days. Pure copper was used as a positive control and Teflonreg and media only were used as negative controls. Test and control samples were randomized and blinded to each laboratory. Cells, primary human gingival fibroblasts, and immortalized 3T3 fibroblasts, were exposed to the extracts for 24 h. Extract cytotoxicity was evaluated spectrophotometrically with the use of a mitochondrial enzyme activity assay. Data were collected from both laboratories, combined, and subjected to a mixed-model analysis of variance. No statistical difference was obtained for the immortalized 3T3 cells, except for two extracts in which differences between the two labs were significant but were still not cytotoxic. Furthermore, no statistical differences were found for the primary cells. These data strongly suggest that cytotoxicity tests performed in different laboratories with the use of the same test materials may lead to comparable results if sample preparation, cells, test procedures, and data analyses are carefully considered.

Sublethal, 2-week exposures of dental material components alter TNF-alpha secretion of THP-1 monocytes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that dental material components alter cytokine secretion from monocytes if applied for several weeks at sublethal doses. The current study significantly extended exposure times of monocytes to the components over times published in previous studies. These exposure times approached the estimated average life span of monocytes in the bloodstream.

METHODS

Human THP-1 monocytes were exposed to 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA, 0-1.2mmol/l), triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA, 0-0.75mmol/l), Hg(2+) (0-2 micromol/l), or Ni(2+) (0-20 micromol/l) for 2 weeks. The cells were then collected and additionally incubated for 24h, with or without bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a common component of dental plaque. TNF-alpha secretion from THP-1 was determined using by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

None of the dental material components induced TNF-alpha from THP-1 by themselves, but LPS alone strongly induced TNF-alpha secretion as expected. HEMA and TEGDMA significantly suppressed (40-70%) TNF-alpha secretion from cells stimulated with LPS. Hg(2+) at 2.0 micromol/l doubled TNF-alpha secretion from THP-1s stimulated with LPS over LPS alone. Ni(2+) did not significantly affect TNF-alpha secretion, with or without LPS exposure. Significance. The results in this study suggest that sublethal, 2-week exposures of some dental material components may alter TNF-alpha secretion from THP-1 monocytes when the cells are challenged. These alterations may influence the biological response of tissues to materials in an inflammatory intraoral environment.

Concentration- and composition-dependent effects of metal ions on human MG-63 osteoblasts

Metal debris from implants has been shown to alter the function of osteoblasts in cell cultures. Its remains unclear, however, if specific forms of released ionic metals are involved in the pathogenesis of periprosthetic osteolysis. We evaluated the relative effects of ionic forms of implant metals by treating human osteoblast-like MG-63 osteosarcoma cells with eight concentrations (0.001-10.0 mM) of Cr(+3), Mo(+5), Al(+3), Ta(+5), Co(+2), Ni(+2), Fe(+3), Cu(+2), Mn(+2), Mg(+2), Na(+2), and V(+3) chloride solutions. The results demonstrated that the metal ions differentially affected osteoblast proliferation, viability, type-I collagen gene expression, and cytokine release. The metal ions were ranked in order from least to most toxic (based on a 50% reduction in viability) as follows: Na < Cr < Mg < Mo < Al < Ta < Co < Ni < Fe < Cu < Mn < V. Metal-induced decreases in osteoblast proliferation were similar in ranking. Nontoxic concentrations of metals had no effect on procollagen alpha1[I] gene expression; only at toxic concentrations did metals produce a decrease in gene expression. The most toxic metals (V, Mn, Fe, and Ni) were also the only metals found to induce IL-6 secretion on a per cell basis (of the cytokines tested, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin beta 1 (IL-1beta), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), only IL-6 was detectable in the culture medium after 48 h for any metal at any concentration). Less toxic metals (e.g., Co and Cr) had little effect on IL-6 release, even at high concentrations. In general, metal ions reduced osteoblast function (i.e., proliferation and collagen gene expression) in proportion to the degree of toxicity. These results support the hypothesis that adverse local cellular responses (particularly necrotic responses) associated with metal debris from implanted metallic devices may be due in part to metal ions released from implants or from particulate debris.

Cytotoxicity testing with three-dimensional cultures of transfected pulp-derived cells

SV40 large T-antigen-transfected bovine pulp-derived cells were grown three-dimensionally on polyamide meshes. For optimal cell growth, various cell numbers and mesh coatings were tested. Next the three-dimensional cultures were used in a dentin barrier test device, and the system was evaluated by testing a set of dental filling materials. After 24 hr exposure with or without perfusion of the pulpal part of the test device, cell survival was evaluated using an MTT assay. In all experiments pulp-derived cells transfected with SV40 large T-antigen grew three-dimensionally on polyamide meshes and showed growth kinetics similar to those on cell culture plates with lag, log, and plateau phases (reached after about 14 days of incubation). Cross-sections of the three-dimensional cell cultures revealed about 15 to 20 cell layers. In vitro cytotoxicity tests resulted in cell survival rates which are in good agreement with in vivo data and with results obtained from cytotoxicity tests with three-dimensional cultures of human foreskin fibroblasts.

Biocompatibility of alloys used in orthodontics evaluated by cell culture tests

The cytotoxicity of the most common alloys used in orthodontic appliances was determined by cell culture testing. Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured on 304 and 316 stainless steel, on brazing alloy composed of palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), and silver (Ag), and on plastic substrate (control). Studies were carried out with SEM and radiolabeled precursor incorporation. Cells were cultured in MEM without serum but with the addition of (3)H-thymidine to evaluate cell proliferation and (3)H-glucosamine to evaluate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and secretion in the culture medium. Moreover, gingival fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of some metal ions generally released by orthodontic appliances to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of single ions. Morphologic observations with SEM and radiolabeled incorporation studies showed that 304 and 316 stainless steel were more biocompatible than the brazing alloy. Among the metal ions tested, Ag and Pd, constituents of the brazing alloy, showed the highest cytotoxicity.

In vitro cytotoxic effects of orthodontic appliances

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an orthodontic appliance and of its components (brackets, bands, and arch wires) on some cell functions. Fibroblasts were cultured either in the presence of one unwashed orthodontic appliance, or one orthodontic appliance immersed in MEM for 28 days before use (washed appliance), or in the presence of MEM in which the appliances had been immersed. At the end of in vitro maintenance, morphological studies were carried out with SEM and TEM. Cell proliferation and GAG synthesis and secretion by radio-labeled precursors were assessed. The data indicated that unwashed appliances were more cytotoxic than washed ones. Moreover, the arch wire was the most biocompatible component of the orthodontic appliance, and the bracket was the least biocompatible. A comparative study into the effects on cell proliferation of the most common metal ions released by the appliances was also carried out. At the concentration released by one orthodontic appliance immersed for 28 days, the highest reduction in DNA synthesis was observed in the presence of Cu(++).

Effects of titanium-dental restorative alloy galvanic couples on cultured cells

The potential exists for titanium and amalgams to become galvanically coupled in the oral cavity. While low galvanic corrosion rates have been measured in vivo for titanium-amalgam or mercury-free alloy couples, concerns exist over released corrosion products and adverse tissue responses. It was hypothesized in this study that coupling titanium to amalgams or gallium alloys increased the release of metallic corrosion products and decreased cellular activity and function. The effects of titanium coupled and uncoupled to a conventional amalgam, palladium-enriched spherical high copper amalgam, a dispersed type high copper amalgam, and a mercury-free gallium alloy were evaluated in 24-h cell culture tests. Viability, proliferation, and collagen synthesis were evaluated by the uptake of neutral red, 3H-thymidine, and immunoassay of procollagen, respectively, and compared to cells not exposed to any test material. The gallium alloy-titanium couple resulted in significant decreases in cellular viability, proliferation, and collagen synthesis as compared to the other coupled and uncoupled samples. Few differences in the cellular responses of the other coupled and uncoupled samples were observed. Atomic absorption analyses indicated increased release of metal ions from the amalgam and gallium alloy samples coupled to titanium as compared to their uncoupled condition, although the differences were not always significant. Galvanic corrosion of amalgam-titanium couples in the long term may become significant, and further research is needed. Coupling the gallium alloy to titanium may result in increased galvanic corrosion and cytotoxic responses.

An in vitro pulp chamber with three-dimensional cell cultures

To better simulate the in vivo situation, a three-dimensional fibroblast cell culture was introduced into an in vitro pulp chamber model. The system was evaluated by testing a series of dental filling materials. After a 24-h exposure with (0.3 or 5 ml/h) and without perfusion of the pulp chamber, the tissues were subjected to a routine MTT assay. Zinc phosphate cement, conventional glass ionomer cements, a silicone impression material, and zinc oxide-eugenol did not influence cell viability, compared with untreated controls; but, a light-curing glass ionomer cement significantly reduced cell survival. Perfusion of the chambers did not significantly influence the results, but perfusion conditions of 5 ml/h lead to a general decrease of cell vitality. The three-dimensional cell culture system in an in vitro pulp chamber seems to be a substantial improvement, because zinc oxide-eugenol does not evoke a cellular reaction (as is the case in vivo), and the test system is sensitive enough to detect other toxicants.

Galvanic corrosion and cytotoxic effects of amalgam and gallium alloys coupled to titanium

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the galvanic corrosion of a conventional, a dispersed high-copper, and a palladium-enriched spherical high-copper amalgam and a gallium alloy coupled to titanium in saline and cell culture solutions, and to evaluate the effects of the couples on cultured cells. The potentials and charge transfers between amalgams and titanium were measured by electrochemical corrosion methods. Cytotoxicity of the couples, as indicated by the uptake of neutral red vital stain, was determined in 24-h direct contact human gingival fibroblast cell cultures. Results of this study indicated that before connecting the high-copper amalgams to titanium, the amalgams exhibited more positive potentials which resulted in initial negative charge transfers, i.e. corrosion of titanium. However, this initial corrosion appeared to cause titanium to passivate, and a shift in galvanic currents to positive charge transfers, i.e. corrosion of the amalgam samples. Lower galvanic currents were measured for the amalgam-titanium couples as compared to the gallium alloy-titanium couple. Coupling the conventional or the palladium-enriched high-copper amalgams to titanium did not significantly affect the uptake of neutral red as compared to cells not exposed to any test alloy. However, significant cytotoxic effects were observed when the dispersed-type high-copper amalgam and the gallium alloy were coupled to titanium. Even though the corrosion currents measured for these couples were less than gold alloys coupled to amalgam, these results suggest there is the potential for released galvanic corrosion products to become cytotoxic. These data warrant further investigations into the effects of coupling amalgam and gallium alloys to titanium in the oral environment.

Correlation of cytotoxicity with element release from mercury- and gallium-based dental alloys in vitro

OBJECTIVES

An in vitro screening test was used to compare the cytotoxicity and elemental release from mercury- and gallium-based dental restorative materials.

METHODS

The test employed three sequential extractions of the samples into cell-culture medium which were then used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the samples and the release of elements from the samples. Cytotoxicity was measured by placing the extract in contact with Balb/c mouse fibroblasts for 24 h and measuring the succinic dehydrogenase activity of the cells. The release of elements was measured by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

Samples of Tytin (Kerr) showed no cytotoxicity compared to Teflon controls. Dispersalloy (Johnson and Johnson) was severely cytotoxic initially when Zn release was greatest, but was less toxic between 48 and 72 h as Zn release decreased. Gallium Alloy GF (Tokuriki Honten) was moderately cytotoxic after 8 h, and increased in cytotoxicity thereafter, which correlated with a substantial and persistent release of Ga from this material.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results of the current study concurred with in vivo assessments of these materials, and the use of sequential extractions was useful in determining trends in the cytotoxicity and elemental release from these materials.

Effect of cell line on in vitro metal ion cytotoxicity

OBJECTIVES

The choice of cell line for in vitro biological tests which assess the cytotoxicity of dental materials remains controversial, yet this issue is important because these tests are widely used to rate the biocompatibility of new and existing materials, and many different cell lines are commonly used. The purpose of the current study was to quantify the responses of four cell lines (Balb/c 3T3, L929, ROS 17/2.8 and WI-38) to 14 metal ions which are released from dental materials, and relate these responses to the metabolic activity and population doubling times of these cells.

METHODS

Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was used to monitor metabolic activity and cytotoxic response.

RESULTS

The cell lines responded differently to most metal ions. In general, the Balb/c 3T3 line was the most sensitive, and the WI-38 line was the least sensitive. However, there were many exceptions depending on the metal ion. The passage number of the cells also affected the cytotoxic response. It was concluded that the cytotoxicity of materials which release metal ions will be significantly different depending on which cell line is selected and its passage number.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the findings that cell lines ranked the toxicities of the metal ions similarly, it seems reasonable to use these types of in vitro tests to rank the cytotoxicities of materials. However, if these types of tests are used to predict in vivo cytotoxicity, care should be taken to choose conditions and cells which are relevant.