Influence of bioactive glasses on the respiratory burst metabolism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Background: Bioglasses are bioactive materials used to coat implants. The i mmunological reaction to wear particles from such coatings has hardly been investigated. The generation of reactive oxygen species by polymorphonuclea r neutrophils (PMN) on phagocytosis of particles might elicit further immun e reactions. Methods: The production of reactive oxygen species was investigated in whol e blood in the form of chemiluminescence using the probes luminol and lucig enin. Results: Bioglass particles stimulated PMN to generate free radicals as a f unction of the bioactivity of the composition. This activation was signific antly reduced by prior soaking of the particles. Extracts of the bioactive glasses also inhibited the liberation of free radicals upon the stimulus op sonized zymosan. Conclusion: Our results show that despite the proven good biocompatibility of bioactive glasses, further in vivo checks in the early stages of the rea ction are needed.