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

ScientificWorldJournal. 2017:2017:5260106. doi: 10.1155/2017/5260106. Epub 2017 Aug 21.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Bone Cements / chemistry*
  • Bone Regeneration
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Calcium Phosphates / chemistry*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Culture Media
  • Materials Testing
  • Osteoblasts / cytology*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoblasts / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Silicates / chemistry*
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Cements
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Culture Media
  • Silicates
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • calcium silicate