Flow cytometry analysis of the effects of pre-immersion on the biocompatibility of glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite plasma-sprayed coatings

Fabrication of bioactive novel scaffold by solid-state reaction sintering for bone regeneration

In this work we present a new type of scaffold obtained by solid-state reaction, simultaneous sintering of a mixture of precursor oxides, carbonates, and organic substances, the latter used for pore generation. Having variable local composition, exhibits excellent overall physicochemical and bioactivity response. Open porosity is about 50%-60% and its permeability 10^-11  m² . X-ray diffraction exhibits the presence of a sodium-calcium silicate and sodium-calcium phosphate crystalline phases. Additionally, by mechanical compression tests the range of failure stress obtained for the scaffolds was 0.3-1.1 MPa. The bioactivity and dissolution rate of the scaffolds were evaluated by in vitro tests. After 1 week soaking in simulated body fluid, the formation of a continuous hydroxyapatite layer, which does not differentiate local compositions, was observed. Our results from cell culture tests clearly indicate that during hydroxyapatite layer formation, scaffolds do not liberate any cytotoxic substances. Moreover, cells seeded in the hydroxyapatite-covered scaffolds grew better than the control.

Fabrication of a cubic zirconia nanocoating on a titanium dental implant with excellent adhesion, hardness and biocompatibility

Crystalline cubic zirconia nanocoating on cpTi with enhanced surface hardness, durability and biocompatibility, useful as an advanced oral implant was fabricated by applying layer-by-layer dip-coating at low annealing temperature.

Biological performance of titania containing phosphate-based glasses for bone tissue engineering applications

The interplay between glass chemistry, structure, degradation kinetics, and biological activity provides flexibility for the development of scaffolds with highly specific cellular response. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the role of titania inclusion into the phosphate-based glass on its ability to stimulate osteoblast-like human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells to adhere, proliferate and differentiate. In depth morphological and biochemical characterisation was performed on HOS cells cultured on the surface of glass discs. Cell proliferation was also studied in the presence of the glass extract. Cell differentiation, through osteoblast phenotype genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin production, was carried out using normal or osteogenic media. Both Thermanox® and titania free glass were used as controls. The data demonstrated that titania inclusion provides desired cytocompatible surface that supported initial cell attachment, sustained viability, and increased cell proliferation similar or significantly higher than Thermanox®. The modified glasses regulated osteoblastic cell differentiation as detected by osteoblast phenotype gene transcription and upregulated ALP and osteocalcin expression. Using osteogenic media had no significant effect on ALP activity and osteocalcin expression. Therefore, titania modified phosphate glasses may have future use as bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Biological Evaluation of a Novel Tissue Engineering Scaffold of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs)

Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) composed of three main parts: scaffold, cells and signaling factors. Several materials and composites are suggested as a scaffold for BTE. Biocompatibility is one of the most important property of a BTE scaffold. In this work synthesis of a novel nanocomposite including layered double hydroxides (LDH) and gelatin is carried out and its biological properties were studied. The co-precipitation (pH=11) method was used to prepare the LDH powder, using calcium nitrate, Magesium nitrate and aluminum nitrate salts as starting materials. The resulted precipitates were dried. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized powders. The results demonstrated the presence of nanocrystals of Ca-LDH and Mg-LDH as Hexagonal and Layered Morphology. The obtained powders were composed to gelatin via solvent casting method then freez dried. The scaffold was prepared via membrane lamination method from the resulted layers that linked together with gelatin as binder. In order to investigate the scaffold cytotoxicity MTT assay was done with a osteosarcoma cell line. No toxic response was observed in specimens. As a major result, it was demonstrated that the specimen showed a significant cellular response. Then osteosarcoma cells were cultured for 7-day and 14-day extract of powders. The composites osteoconductivity was investigate with cells alkaline phosphatase extraction. The results demonstrated that the Ca-LDH/gelatin composite scaffold has a good potential for bone tissue engineering applications and Mg-LDH specimen has a better osteconductivity.

Characterization and preliminary in vivo evaluation of a novel modified hydroxyapatite produced by extrusion and spheronization techniques

A glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) composite, recently registered as Bonelike®, was developed for bone grafting. This biomaterial is composed of a modified HA matrix with α- and β-tricalcium phosphate secondary phases and ionic species that mimic the chemical composition of human bone. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the benefits of these properties. However, these studies were all executed with Bonelike® polygonal granules obtained by crushing. In this study, Bonelike® pellets were produced through a patented process, which required the use of techniques such as extrusion and spheronization. The final product presented a homogeneous size, a 55.1% global porosity and a spherical shape. This spherical shape permitted a better adaptation to the implantation site and improved injectability. Additionally, it also may contribute to formation of macropores as pellets packaging leaves open spaces. After implantation of Bonelike® polygonal granules and Bonelike® pellets in monocortical defects in sheep for 8 and 12 weeks, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed extensive osteointegration simultaneously with bone regeneration for both presentations. Histomorphometric analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between defects treated with Bonelike® polygonal granules and Bonelike® pellets, which suggests similar in vivo performances.

In vitro cytotoxic evaluation of processed natural coral in human osteoblasts

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of locally produced processed natural coral (PNC) using human osteoblasts (HOS). Cytotoxicity was not observed when HOS cells were cultured with PNC, as assessed by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; MTT) and Neutral Red (NR) assays at concentration up 200 mg/mL for up to 72 hours. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis showed that PNC (200 mg/mL) did not decrease viability of HOS cells after 48 and 72 hours of treatment. In a cell attachment study, the HOS cells attached to the edge of the PNC disc, and later grew into the pores of the PNC disc. All results from these studies indicate that locally produced PNC material is noncytotoxic and favors the growth of HOS cells.

In vitro bioactivity and gene expression by cells cultured on titanium dioxide doped phosphate-based glasses

In our previous study, glasses with 50 P(2)O(5)-(20-15) Na(2)O-30 CaO-(0-5 mol%) TiO(2) have been prepared by the conventional melt-quenching process. MG63 cell proliferation, gene expression, in vivo biocompatibility, and bioactivity of these glasses is the concern of this study. The results showed that addition of TiO(2) in small amounts up to 5 mol% enhanced the biocompatibility of these glasses. The cell metabolic activity was conspicuous, on 3 and 5 mol% TiO(2) compositions in particular, with no significant difference from Thermanox control over a period of 21 days. The findings from the gene expression study showed that, at day 1 and on 5 mol% TiO(2) glass, core binding protein factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed significantly lower transcription level; however, collagen type I alpha subunit I (COLIAI) and Osteonectin (Sparc) showed no significant differences compared to the control. At day 7, all these genes transcription levels were not significantly different form the control, but at day 14, they were significantly higher than the control. Moreover, there were no significant differences detected in these genes on both 3 and 5 mol% TiO(2) glasses up to 7 days. At day 14; however, 5 mol% TiO(2) glasses showed significantly higher level than 3 mol% TiO(2) composition. This was also correlated by the presence of new bone tissue at the bone-particles interface for 5 mol% TiO(2) composition after 5 weeks of implantation in rat calvarium. Regardless of this favourable cell response and gene up-regulation, these glasses showed no evidence of apatite layer formation after 14 days incubation in SBF.

Behaviour of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells on wood-based biomorphic SiC ceramics coated with bioactive glass

The aim of this study was to test the in vitro cytotoxicity of wood-based biomorphic Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramics coated with bioactive glass, using MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells, with a view to their application in bone implantology. To better understand the scope of this study, it should be taken into account that biomorphic SiC ceramics have only recently been developed and this innovative product has important properties such as interconnected porosity, high strength and toughness, and easy shaping. In the solvent extraction test, all the extracts had almost no effect on cellular activity even at 100% concentration, and cells incubated in the bioactive glass-coated SiC ceramics extracts showed a proliferation rate similar to that of the Thermanox control. There were no significant differences when the cellular attachment response of the cells on the wood-based biomorphic SiC ceramics, uncoated or coated with bioactive glass, was compared to the one exhibited by reference materials like Ti6Al4V and bulk bioactive glass. This fact looks very promising for biomedical applications.

Cytotoxicity and alteredc-myc gene expression by medical polyacrylamide hydrogel

Medical Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (PAMG)has been used in plastic and aesthetic surgery for years. However, its safety is still in doubt in many countries. In the current research, first an approach, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), to determine the amount of residual acrylamide monomer (AM) in the PAMG was presented. Then the cytotoxicity of PAMG was investigated using cell counting and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. To explore the mechanism of this toxicity, normal human fibroblasts cultured in medium extracts were analyzed. Membrane changes and other related parameters were investigated using flow cytometry (FCM). Real time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (real time PCR) was also introduced to determine the biological response of the fibroblasts. During this process, three representative genes (p53, beta-actin, and c-myc, which are tumor suppressor genes, housekeeping genes, and proto-oncogenes respectively) were selected for examination. Results indicated that a method based on HPLC is practical and simple for determining AM in PAMG. The detection limits can reach the desired ppb level, and so it can fully meet the requirements of the studies of PAMG. Polyacylamide Hydrogel inhibits the growth of human fibroblasts and may cause the apoptosis of human fibroblasts. Moreover, it can alter physical parameters such as the size and the granularity of these cells. Furthermore, these three genes have a relatively typical amplification plot and highly related, wide-range standard curves, and so this reaction system is definitely suitable for the semiquantification of these genes. PAMG induces the increase of the message ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of c-myc, while the p53 and beta-actin remain even. This change is not related to the concentration of AM in the gel and may be incited by other components in the extract of PMAG.

Biological stability and osteoconductivity in rabbit tibia of pulsed laser deposited hydroxylapatite coatings

A comparative study of the biological stability and the osteoconductivity of hydroxylapatite (HA) coatings produced by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and plasma spraying (PS) was conducted. Three different implant groups were used: grit-blasted titanium rods coated with HA-PLD (2-microm-thick), grit-blasted titanium rods coated with HA-PS (50-microm-thick), and uncoated. Implantation took place into the proximal tibia of 12 mature New Zealand White rabbits for 24 weeks. Samples were evaluated using descriptive histology and histomorphometry. While HA-PS implants showed considerable instability and reduction in thickness after 24 weeks, but no statistical difference to the titanium group, the HA-PLD group showed a significant higher amount of bone apposition (Scheffé test, p<0.05) than the other two groups, without signs of degradation or dissolution. Remarkably, after 6 months, the almost intact thin pulsed laser deposited coating could be observed by electron microscopy in extended areas.

Effects of calcium ion implantation on human bone cell interaction with titanium

The use of calcium ion (Ca) implantation of titanium (Ti), previously reported to encourage osseointegration in vivo, has been investigated using an in vitro model in order to understand the basic mechanisms involved in the response of target cells to such surfaces. Polished Ti discs were implanted with high, medium and low (1x10(17), 1x10(16), 1x10(15)ionscm-2) doses of Ca ions at 40 keV. The effects of different levels of Ca implantation on morphology, attachment and spreading of MG-63 cells seeded on the surface of control (non-implanted) Ti and Ca-Ti discs were assessed. Further, to understand cell-material interactions at a molecular level, the expression of beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrins and the formation of vinculin-positive focal adhesion plaques were examined. In addition, the effects of pre-immersion of the Ca (high)-Ti in tissue culture medium on cell attachment were measured and correlated with specific chemical changes at the Ti surface. Our findings suggest that Ca implantation can affect the adhesion of MG-63 cells both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, this effect appears to depend on the level at which Ca ions are implanted. Results showed that although cell adhesion on Ca (high)-Ti was initially reduced, it nevertheless was not only restored but substantially increased with progressing culture times. In addition, a significantly enhanced cell spreading, formation of focal adhesion plaques and expression of integrins were measured on this particular surface. In contrast, no marked differences were observed in cell behaviour on Ca-Ti (low and medium). Pre-immersion studies indicated that the decrease in cell attachment to Ca (high)-Ti at early time periods may be linked to the presence of Ca- and P-rich particles on the surface. The absence of these particles at 24 h was consistent with a significant increase in cell attachment.

In vitro cytocompatibility of MG63 cells on chitosan-organosiloxane hybrid membranes

Chitosan-silicate hybrids were synthesized using gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPSM) as the agent for cross-linking the chitosan chains. CaCl2 was introduced in the hybrids in expectation that it would improve cell adhesion and differentiation of the hybrid surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 29Si CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy were used to analyze the structures of the hybrids. Cytocompatibility of the hybrids was investigated in terms of proliferation of an osteoblastic cell line, MG63. The adhesion and proliferation of the osteoblastic cells cultured on the surface of a chitosan-GPSM hybrid without calcium were similar to those on a control culture plate, and were better than those on a chitosan membrane. The ALP activity of the cells cultured on this hybrid was higher than that on the chitosan membrane. Contrary to expectations, the incorporation of calcium ions into the hybrids did not improve cell attachment and proliferation on their surfaces.

Si(3)N(4)-bioglass composites stimulate the proliferation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells and support the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow cells

The in vitro osteocompatibility of a novel Si(3)N(4)-bioglass composite (70-30% weight proportion) with improved mechanical properties (fracture toughness = 4.4 M Pa m(1/2); bending strength = 383 +/- 47 MPa) is reported. Immersion of the composite samples in culture medium (30 min to 7 days) resulted in rapid protein adsorption to the surface and, also, dissolution of the intergranular phase of bioglass (time-dependent process) with the formation of different size cavities. "As-received" and pre-treated material samples presented a similar behaviour concerning the proliferation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells, evaluated during a 5-day culture period. Seeded materials showed a higher cell growth rate as compared to cultures performed on the standard plastic culture plates. To assess the osteogenic potential of the composite, "as-received" material samples were seeded with human bone marrow cells and cultured for 35 days in experimental conditions that favour the development of the osteoblastic phenotype. The cell adhesion process was similar to that observed in control cultures. Cells successfully adapted to the irregularities of the surface and were able to grow towards inside the cavities; in addition, osteogenic differentiation occurred with the formation of abundant cell-mediated mineralised deposits. Results suggest that this Si(3)N(4)-bioglass composite seems to be a promising candidate for high-stress medical applications.

Glass reinforced hydroxyapatite for hard tissue surgery--part II: in vitro evaluation of bone cell growth and function

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-based materials are considered to be potentially useful as bone implant materials, particularly those reinforced with glass to improve mechanical strength. However, the precise effects of glass-reinforced HA on the growth and functions of bone cells are still unclear. The present study has therefore examined the response of human osteoblast-like cells to HA and HA reinforced with two different proportions of glass, namely 2.5% and 5%. All materials enabled the cells to attach and proliferate during 7 days in culture and, although the growth was less than on control plastic surfaces, there was no deleterious effect of the 5% glass composite compared with HA alone. Flow cytometry analysis showed that there was no effect on cell size and granularity, but there were marked and highly selective changes in the expression of certain connective tissue proteins. Thus, while bone sialoprotein and osteonectin were down-regulated on HA alone, the expression of these antigens was relatively enhanced on the composite materials, and collagen type I was also up-regulated on the glass-reinforced HA. Thus, modulation of the glass composition of HA materials could be used to produce not only improved mechanical strength, but also enhanced biocompatibility.