EFFECTS OF GAMMA-ALUMINA AND HYDROXYAPATITE COATINGS ON THE GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF HUMAN OSTEOBLASTS

The behavior of human osteoblasts cultivated on hydroxyapatite or alum ina-coated disks of Ti6AL4V was studied in vitro. Cell anchorage and s preading were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell growth wa s monitored by counting cells and measuring DNA at 5 h and 2, 5, and 1 0 days after cell seeding. Cells grown for 10 days were labeled with C -14-proline and total protein and collagen syn thesis were measured; t he type of collagen was also determined. Both ceramics showed excellen t biocompatibility. At 10 days of culture the cells showed a higher ra te of proliferation on alumina than on hydroxyapatite. Neither ceramic altered the collagen biosynthesis or the osteoblastlike properties of the cells, as indicated by the high percentage of type I collagen. (C ) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.