Orthopedics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthopedics, including details on chronic injuries, muscoskeletal disorders, surgery, reconstruction.

Osteoprecursor cell response to strontium-containing hydroxyapatite ceramics.

Xue W, Moore JL, Hosick HL, Bose S, Bandyopadhyay A, Lu WW, Cheung KM, Luk KD

Bioengineering Research Center, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA.

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro bioactivity of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA), and its effect on cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. The effect of Sr-HA has been compared with that of hydroxyapatite (HA), which is widely used in orthopedics and dentistry. Sr-HA ceramic containing 10 mol % was prepared. The bioactivity of Sr-HA was evaluated in vitro by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). After immersion in SBF, Sr-HA exhibited greater ability to induce apatite precipitation on its surface than did HA. The possible effects on cell behavior of Sr-HA were examined by culturing osteoprecursor cells (OPC1) on materials surfaces. Cell shape and cell-material interactions were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the MTT assay was used to determine cell proliferation on samples. When compared with HA, Sr-HA promoted better OPC1 cell attachment and proliferation, and showed no deleterious effects on extracellular matrix formation and mineralization. Confocal scanning microscopy was used to assess the expression of specific osteoblast proteins: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN). The results obtained indicate that the presence of Sr stimulates OPC1 cell differentiation, and enhances ALP and OPN expression.

Published 13 November 2006 in J Biomed Mater Res A, 79(4): 804-14.
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