Adrian Buchholz (Magdeburg, DE), Maria Herbster (Magdeburg, DE), Prof. Dr. Jessica Bertrand (Magdeburg, DE), Dr. Joachim Döring (Magdeburg, DE)
Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)
Introduction
Particle analysis as well as the development and improvement of ceramic materials is an important and on growing field in endoprosthesis research. In particular, as wear-related indications are still one of the major problems leading to revision surgeries of orthopedic implants.
Objectives
This study aims at obtaining a better understanding of the influence of different ceramic particles in various concentrations on periprosthetic cells.
Materials & methods
Particles made from alumina (sizes [in µm]: 0.3-0.6; 1.0-1.5;2.5-4), ZrN, TiN and SiC were applied to osteoblastic (MG-63) and fibroblastic (NIH 3T3) cells in three different concentrations (10E5, 10E6, 10E7). SEM/EDS and laser diffraction were done to verify the particle morphology, chemical composition and size distribution. WST-Assay, fluorescence microscopy and TUNEL-assay were performed in order to assess particle uptake, cell viability and cell death.
Results
Alumina, ZrN and TiN exhibit a regular, (semi-) spherical morphology, whereas the SiC particles show sharp edges and a rod-shaped form. All particles are within the biologically active range. Cell viability is decreased after incubation with particles in osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells. The particle concentration is the main influencing factor, the particle size of the alumina has no significant impact. The number of particles taken up by the cells also correlates with the applied particle concentration as well as the size of the particles. SiC particles show minimal uptake, regardless of the concentration. However, they account for the highest decrease in cell viability. Interestingly, the TUNEL assay showed only a minimum of apoptotic cells for all tested materials and concentrations.
Conclusion
SiC ceramic particles have a negative effect on the cell viability of the examined joint cells, but do not induce cell death. The dosage of particles influenced the cell viability and particle uptake more than the size of particles.