Outgrowth of Osteoblast cells on patterned biomaterial substrates

Summary

To empirically growth Osteoblast cells on patterned biomaterial substrates and to develop a model of cell growth as a function of substrate surface conditions.

The Research Team

Dr. Jeremy Bird Principal Researcher Department of Science, IT, Sligo.
Dr. Brendan McCormack Joint Researcher Department of Engineering, IT, Sligo.
Ms. Pat-Ann Ryan Research Student Department of Science, IT, Sligo.

Background

Osteointegration is the term used to describe the deposition of host bone directly into the surface of an implanted biomaterial device. Implants fabricated from polymers (e.g. PE, PU, PMMA and Silicone), metals (e.g. titanium, stainless steel, and CrCo), and ceramics (e.g. hydroxyapatite, tricalciumphosphate) demonstrate varying levels of osterointegration. Many factors influence the attachment and growth of cells onto the surface of biomaterials, including microroughness or texture of the surface and osteoinductive nature of the surface chemistry. The in vivo response to a biomaterial is complex and the results of in vivo studies vary considerably and cannot be used to develop reliable models of the process of cell proliferation. In this project it is proposed to conduct an in vitro study using cell culture methods to obtain information on bone cell proliferation, metabolism and response to various biomaterials. This in vitro method should allow direct measurement of cell culture variables and interaction with a range of substrate surface materials.

Project Details

To generate a range of surface roughness on polymer, metallic and ceramic substrates suitable for cellular growth assays.

To culture osteoblast cells on these substrata.

To assess osteointegration by histology, image analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and by ELISA assay of alkaline phosphatase.

To develop a model of cell growth as a function of substrate surface conditions.

To develop a level of expertise comparable with other recognised research groups in the area of cell response to implanted biomaterials.