Bone bonding ability—how to measure it?

Abstract

Bone bonding ability can be examined using in vitro assays. However, conventional approaches use static conditions simulating body fluids without biologically relevant compounds (proteins/growth factors). These features could have a major impact on surface properties, thus we investigated the effect of perfusion and simulated body fluid (SBF) composition of medium on the formation of apatite layer on nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) with modified surfaces. Apatite layer formation in SBF was investigated under three conditions: static, dynamic (perfusion) and dynamic in serum supplemented SBF (S-SBF). It was found that perfusion and protein supplemented media altered results significantly when compared with standard approaches. Adequate media that contained both organic and inorganic phases provided a more accurate model for bone bonding ability testing. It was also confirmed that both plasma modified and ground to a mirror finish (and cleaned) encourage formation of apatite layers in all test conditions, which suggests the positive interaction of the material in bone tissue environment.