In vitro biocompatibility assessment of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterials using normal human urothelial cells

The reconstruction of urinary tissues often employs various types of biomat erials, and adequate material biocompatibility is essential for the success ful reconstruction of urinary tissues. In this study we utilized a primary normal human urothelial cell culture system to evaluate the in vitro biocom patibility of a number of naturally derived biomaterials [i.e., bladder sub mucosa, small intestinal submucosa, collagen, and alginate] and polymeric b iomaterials [i.e., poly(glycolic acid), poly(L-lactic acid), poly(lactic-co -glycolic acid), and silicone] that are either experimentally or clinically used in urinary reconstructive surgery. To determine the cytotoxic and bio active effects of these biomaterials, the cell-viability, metabolic activit y, apoptotic properties, and DNA-synthesis activity were measured with four types of assays [Neutral Red, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl te trazolium bromide, apoptotic activity, and tritiated thymidine incorporatio n assays] using extract and direct contact methods. Most of the biomaterial s tested did not induce significant cytotoxic effects and exhibited normal metabolic function and cell growth in vitro. This normal primary human urot helial cell culture model is suitable for in vitro biocompatibility assessm ents and is able to provide information on the cell-biomaterial interaction s and the ability of biomaterials to support bioactive cell functions. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.