Effects on gingival cells of hydroxyapatite immobilized on poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol)

Abstract Hydroxyapatite was immobilized on poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVA) by alternate soaking in aqueous CaCl₂ and Na₂HPO₄ solutions, followed by carboxyl groups introduction through ozone exposure in order to investigate the nature of the gingival cells, to control their proliferation and properties and to develop a highly organized hybrid implant possessing periodontium. Human gingival cells were cultured on the ozone‐exposed EVA, collagen‐immobilized EVA, hydroxyapatite‐immobilized EVA, and a conventional tissue culture dish. Cell proliferation was highest on the tissue culture dish and lowest on the hydroxyapatite‐immobilized EVA. The results of RT‐PCR of gingival cells on hydroxyapatite‐immobilized EVA shows that mRNAs expressed in bone and periodontal ligament were determined. Furthermore, alkaline phosphatase activity and ELISA assay revealed that gingival cells acquired the osteoblastic properties when cultured on hydroxyapatite‐immobilized EVA, suggesting that the periodontium might be regenerated around implants using gingival cells. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007