EVALUATION OF IN-VITRO BIOACTIVITY AND BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF BIOGLASS(R)-REINFORCED POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE

The bioactivity and biocompatibility of Bioglass(R)-reinforced high-de nsity polyethylene composite (Bioglass(R)/HDPE) have been evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF) and by in vitro cell culture, respectively . The formation of a biologically active hydroxy-carbonate apatite (HC A) layer on the composite surface after immersion in SBF was demonstra ted by thin-film X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, indicating the in vitro bioactivity of Bioglass( R)/HDPE composites. The HCA layer was formed on the 40 vol% composite surface within 3 days immersion in SBF at a formation rate comparable to those on bioactive glass-ceramics, showing that in vitro bioactivit y could be obtained in a composite. Furthermore, the composite was bio compatible to primary human osteoblast-like cells. In comparison with unfilled HDPE and tissue culture plastic control, a significant increa se in cellular metabolic activity was found on the composite. Therefor e, Bioglass(R)/HDPE composites have a promising biological response as a potential implant material.