In vitro biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite reinforced polymeric composites manufactured by selective laser sintering

Zhang, Y., Hao, L., Savalini, M.M., Harris, R.A., Di Silvio, L. and Tanner, K.E. (2009) In vitro biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite reinforced polymeric composites manufactured by selective laser sintering. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 91A(4), pp. 1018-1027. (doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.32298)

Abstract

The selective laser sintering (SLS) technique was used to manufacture hydroxyapatite-reinforced polyethylene and polyamide composites as potential customized maxillofacial implants. In vitro tests were carried out to assess cellular responses, in terms of cell attachment, morphology, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralized nodule formation, using primary human osteoblast cells. This study showed that the SLS composite processed was biocompatible, with no adverse effects observed on cell viability and metabolic activity, supporting a normal metabolism and growth pattern for osteoblasts. Positive von Kossa staining demonstrated the presence of bone-like mineral on the SLS materials. Higher hydroxyapatite content composites enhanced cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and produced more osteocalcin. The present findings showed that SLS materials have good in vitro biocompatibility and hence demonstrated biologically the potential of SLS for medical applications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tanner, Professor Kathleen
• Authors: Zhang, Y., Hao, L., Savalini, M.M., Harris, R.A., Di Silvio, L., and Tanner, K.E.
• Subjects: T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Journal Name: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
• ISSN: 1549-3296
• ISSN (Online): 1552-4965
• Published Online: 23 December 2008