The in vitro osteocompatibility of a novel Si(3)N(4)-bioglass composite (70-30% weight proportion) with improved mechanical properties (fracture toughness = 4.4 M Pa m(1/2); bending strength = 383 +/- 47 MPa) is reported. Immersion of the composite samples in culture medium (30 min to 7 days) resulted in rapid protein adsorption to the surface and, also, dissolution of the intergranular phase of bioglass (time-dependent process) with the formation of different size cavities. "As-received" and pre-treated material samples presented a similar behaviour concerning the proliferation of MG63 osteoblast-like cells, evaluated during a 5-day culture period. Seeded materials showed a higher cell growth rate as compared to cultures performed on the standard plastic culture plates. To assess the osteogenic potential of the composite, "as-received" material samples were seeded with human bone marrow cells and cultured for 35 days in experimental conditions that favour the development of the osteoblastic phenotype. The cell adhesion process was similar to that observed in control cultures. Cells successfully adapted to the irregularities of the surface and were able to grow towards inside the cavities; in addition, osteogenic differentiation occurred with the formation of abundant cell-mediated mineralised deposits. Results suggest that this Si(3)N(4)-bioglass composite seems to be a promising candidate for high-stress medical applications.
Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.