CERAMIC SUPPORT FOR CELL-CULTURES

Research was carried out on the use of ceramics as supports to host ma mmalian cells. The research was part of a programme whose priority was to study the possibility of using ceramics in the non-traditional sec tor of the biomedical field. The aim of the study was also to verify t he suitability of particular types of ceramics dealt with in the liter ature for these applications. Among the different samples tested the c ordieritic one proved to be very interesting, at least in relation to the cellular cultures considered. The chemical composition of the mate rial is not, however, the only important aspect, since other parameter s concur to make the hosting of cells highly acceptable. Of particular importance is the rugosity and porosity of the surface and its flakin g, not only externally, but also in the pores.