CYTOTOXICITY TESTING OF POLY(ANHYDRIDE-CO-IMIDES) FOR ORTHOPEDIC APPLICATIONS

The cytotoxicity of a series of poly(anhydride-co-imides) with osteobl ast-like cells (MC3T3-E1) was evaluated. The imide component of the co polymers was based on trimellitylimidoglycine (TMA-gly), and the anhyd ride component was based on either sebacic acid (SA) or 1,6-bis(carbox yphenoxy)hexane (CPH). Cell adhesion and proliferation on surfaces of the polymer discs were observed by environmental scanning electron mic roscopy (ESEM). During the first 24 h of attachment, cells showed norm al morphology when cultured on the various copolymers of CPH. Concurre ntly, the effects of polymer breakdown products on osteoblast-like cel ls were evaluated by studying their proliferation (cell numbers), viab ility (dye exclusion), and morphology (light microscopy). Cell culture s in the presence of these breakdown products resulted in normal morph ologies and reached confluency after 7 days. This initial in vitro eva luation with osteoblast-like cells suggests that the poly(anhydride-co -imides) may be viable carriers for osteoblasts. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.