Effect of particulate bioactive glass on human synoviocyte cultures

Bioglass® is a resorbable glass material that has been shown to induce osteoblast proliferation as well as bone matrix production in vitro. Its physico-chemical properties have been reported to be suitable for use as an implant coating for arthroplasty. However, Bioglass® is a ceramic material that can fragment into particulate debris in vivo. The effect of particulate Bioglass® on tissue cells has not been defined. In order to determine the biologic response to particulate Bioglass®, we tested its effect on human synoviocytes in a cell culture model. At the concentrations of 1.0 and 10, μg/mL, particulate Bioglass® (sizes ranging from approximately 0.5 to 80 μm) had a low cytotoxic effect. However, these concentrations induced secretion of TNFα. The observation that particulate Bioglass® elicits release of inflammatory cytokines suggests that the development of this bioceramic implant coating should address techniques that would minimize the generation of particulates.