Addition of Wollastonite Fibers to Calcium Phosphate Cement Increases Cell Viability and Stimulates Differentiation of Osteoblast-Like Cells

Abstract

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) that is based on α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) is considered desirable for bone tissue engineering because of its relatively rapid degradation properties. However, such cement is relatively weak, restricting its use to areas of low mechanical stress. Wollastonite fibers (WF) have been used to improve the mechanical strength of biomaterials. However, the biological properties of WF remain poorly understood. Here, we tested the response of osteoblast-like cells to being cultured on CPC reinforced with 5% of WF (CPC-WF). We found that both types of cement studied achieved an ion balance for calcium and phosphate after 3 days of immersion in culture medium and this allowed subsequent long-term cell culture. CPC-WF increased cell viability and stimulated cell differentiation, compared to nonreinforced CPC. We hypothesize that late silicon release by CPC-WF induces increased cell proliferation and differentiation. Based on our findings, we propose that CPC-WF is a promising material for bone tissue engineering applications.

Morphological Characteristics of the Osteoplastic Potential of Synthetic CaSiO3/HAp Powder Biocomposite

“…The mechanism and characteristics of the interaction of structural component, and the phase of bone tissue neoplasm using silicates are given in the review [ 42 , 43 ]. At the same time, the presence of silicates in the bone tissue suppressed the activity of osteoclasts [ 44 , 45 ], which agreed with the authors’ observations in the present study.…”

“…The mechanism and characteristics of the interaction of structural component, and the phase of bone tissue neoplasm using silicates are given in the review [42,43]. At the same time, the presence of silicates in the bone tissue suppressed the activity of osteoclasts [44,45], which agreed with the authors' observations in the present study. The morphometric study of the components of bone tissue in the area of implantation and the control samples showed that the number of osteoblasts in the area of implantation per 1 mm 2 was significantly higher than in the control area, and was equal to 1.6 ± 0.12 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1.…”

The effect of supplementing the calcium phosphate cement containing poloxamer 407 on cellular activities

“…Moreover, CPC is hydrolyzed when in contact with the solution, giving rise to a layer of biological apatite that enables binding to bone tissue, thus improving graft assimilation. 36 The cell viability of pol5 and pol10 was similar to that of mβ-TCP, suggesting that poloxamer did not have a negative effect in MC3T3-E1 cells. Namely poloxamer is not significantly cytotoxic to the cells under the tested conditions.…”

“…In vitro study of biomaterials in cell culture is an important mechanism for determining how materials react at the cellular level. 36 Suitable biomaterials should have a non-cytotoxic response and support osteoblastic differentiation. 37 In this study, we evaluated the response of cultured osteoblast-like cells to poloxamer-added CPC.…”

“…ALP, known as a biomarker of osteoblast activity regulation, hydrolyzes phosphate, resulting in the release of inorganic phosphate, which combines with calcium ions, forming hydroxyapatite. 36,46 Lee et al…”