HUMAN OSTEOPROGENITOR RESPONSES TO ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT - MECHANISM OF CELL ATTACHMENT AND CELL-ADHESION

Cell culture models are becoming prevalent in the investigation of tis sue responses to implant materials. Cellular attachment and cell adhes ion studies can aid in the development of more effective orthopaedic a nd dental implants. Cell attachment was studied on extracellular matri x proteins (type I, IV collagen, peptide solubilized elastin (PSE), fi bronectin laminin). Human osteoprogenitor cells responded differently to these collagenous and non-collagenous proteins. PSE and type I or t ype IV collagen are the most effective proteins in cellular attachment and cell spreading. Cell behaviour was measured in the presence of ma croporous materials (Porites astreoides from the West Indies and a bov ine hydroxyapatite ceramic ENDOBON(R)) and bioartificial connective ma trices comprising hydroxyapatite, peptide solubilized elastin, collage n, fibronectin and chondroitin-6-sulfate, components of the extracellu lar matrix (ECM). Human osteoprogenitor cells responded differently to the materials tested according to the content of components of ECM. A bout 40% of attached cells were obtained on the composite materials PS E, collagen, fibronectin and chondroitin-6-sulfate, and about 10% on t he macroporous materials, whatever their porosity and their chemical c omponents. These results demonstrate a need for more effective surface treatment to promote cell attachment, cell spreading and cell growth.