Cytotoxicity of Degutan surfaces of different roughness using fibroblast (BALB 3T3) and osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cell cultures

The cytotoxicity of Degutan surfaces with different degrees of roughness, a nd the effect of surface structures on osteoblast proliferation and differe ntiation, was investigated with standardised cell culture systems. Fibrobla st cell Lines (BALB/3T3) and osteoblast cell lines (hFOB 1.19) were used. T he number and variability of the cells were determined for assessment of pr oliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen I and osteocalcin p roduction were used as parameters for differentiation. In the early phase, the largest numbers of cells and greatest proliferation were measured on po lished Degutan surfaces. In the late phase, however, larger numbers of cell s and a greater degree of proliferation were to be seen an sandblasted and sandblasted/heat-treated Degutan surfaces. No differences were found for co llagen I, osteocalcin production or alkaline phosphatase activity. Neither the osteoblasts nor the fibroblasts revealed a toxic effect of Degutan. The results for osteoblast differentiation correlate with recent studies on id entical structured titanium surfaces. In view of the immeasurable amount of ion release, Degutan may be considered an ideal model for an inert materia l surface.