Abstract
This work reports preliminary results on the development of biointegrable scaffolds, composed of biostable 3D polymer matrices and bioabsorbable inorganic salts, to be used for cell anchorage in bone regeneration.
Three crosslinked polyurethane foams (PUFs), prepared by one-step bulk polymerisation from a polyether-polyol mixture, polymeric MDI and water as expanding agent, were tested for their ability to promote adhesion and growth of bone-derived cells. The open porosity of these foams ranged from 16 to 31% with an average pore size of 470÷600 μm, compressive strength (at 10% e) of 0.28÷0.38 MPa and elastic moduli of 4.88÷6.61 MPa.
The human osteosarcoma line Saos-2, and primary cultures of normal human articular chondrocytes and bone marrow-derived (HBM) stromal cells were used for in vitro cytocompatibility tests. For cell adhesion and proliferation analysis, DNA synthesis was evaluated by 3H-thymidine uptake. Osteoblastic differentiation of Saos-2 adherent cells was determined by measuring the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
All cell types were able to adhere to all tested PUFs and to synthesize DNA. At 48 hr culture, HBM stromal cells showed the maximal rate of adhesion with the highest rate of proliferation onto PUFs with the largest pore size, whereas both chondrocytes and Saos-2 appeared to adhere preferentially onto foams exhibiting the highest percentage of open porosity. Up to 8 days in culture Saos-2 cells were able to proliferate into all PUFs, with a time-dependent increase of DNA synthesis and ALP activity. At SEM, the morphology of cells adherent to PUF pores was spread with cytoplasmatic extroflessions, indicating a good metabolic activation.
These results demonstrate a good cytocompatibility of the proposed 3D matrices, suggesting that their use in the preparation of composite scaffolds is worth further investigation.