Influence of physicochemical reactions of bioactive glass on the behavior and activity of human osteoblasts in vitro

Abstract Bioactive glasses are characterized by a bond to bone with a hydroxyl carbonate apatite layer. They enhance bone tissue formation and for this purpose are used in orthopedic surgery and in dental implantology. In the current work, we studied the biological response of human osteoblasts with a bioactive glass. This bioactive glass is based on 50% Si0₂, 20% Na₂O, 16% CaO, 6% P₂O₅, 5% K₂0, 2% Al₂O₃ and 1% MgO and designated A9. Cracks and irregularities were observed on the material surface when it was immersed in the culture medium. In addition, energy dispersive X‐ray analyses highlighted a selective release of the elements at the surface of the bioactive glass, such as Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, released from the first day, contrary to the Si, Al, Ca, P, and Mg elements, which were released more slowly. Cell proliferation kinetics, total protein synthesis, and DNA content of the osteoblasts in contact with bioactive glass were similar to control cells. The morphological studies by light and scanning electron microscopy revealed an increasing cellular density in culture with bioactive glass without contact inhibition. The immunohistochemical studies highlighted the expression of types I, III, and V collagens by osteoblasts cultured in the presence of bioactive glass. The pH measurement of the culture medium in the presence of bioactive glass demonstrated a slight alkalinization. We thus conclude that human osteoblasts preserve their properties in the presence of bioactive glass (A9). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 1205–1218, 2003