<i>In vitro</i> study of the biological interface of <scp>B</scp>io‐<scp>O</scp>ss: implications of the experimental setup

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate the biological interface of Bio-Oss by analysing dissolution-precipitation behaviour and osteogenic responses using in vitro experimental systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different concentrations (1-100 mg/ml) of Bio-Oss were incubated in cell culture medium for 24 h before elemental concentrations for calcium, phosphorus and silicon in the medium were analysed with inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Radioactive calcium-45 isotope labelling technique was used to study possible precipitation of calcium on the Bio-Oss particle. Biological interface of Bio-Oss was studied in osteogenic experiments using mineralization medium and three different sources of cells (primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells, primary rat calvarial cells and MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblast cell line). Cells were fixed and stained with Toulidine blue, von Kossa or Alizarin Red staining for confirmation of extracellular matrix mineralization. RESULTS: Elemental analysis of the cell culture medium demonstrated a significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus and a dose-dependent release of silicon to the medium after incubation with Bio-Oss. A significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus in the medium occurred even at low concentrations of Bio-Oss. Uptake of calcium on the Bio-Oss particle was confirmed with radioactive calcium-45 isotope labelling technique. In osteogenic experiments with Bio-Oss (<1 mg/ml), matrix mineralization around the Bio-Oss particles were demonstrated in all three cell types with von Kossa and Alizarin Red staining. CONCLUSION: Dissolution-precipitation reactions occur at the surface of Bio-Oss, and osteogenic responses are seen at the biological interface. The concentration of Bio-Oss is a key factor for the experimental in vitro results, and may also have implications for the clinic.