Biocompatibility of Implant Materials: Cell Culture Assay

Abstract

Study of the “acceptability” by parts of the body of materials used in replacement operations (biomaterials) requires “in vitro” preliminary experimentation, during which human (1) or animal (2) cell lines are observed in the course of their growth and adhesion to biomaterials to determine their acceptability. Subsequently, “in vivo” tests are run to assess such variables as the shape of the implant, the stresses to which it is subjected and the body’s general and local response mechanisms. This paper reports a quantitative study of the growth and adhesion of fibroblasts on specimens of passivated titanium, titanium alloy and four types of bioglass (B4 to B7). A-study was also made of the same materials following their coating with fibronectinpurified from human plasma. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphological pattern of cell growth.