[Effect of various bone disinfection and sterilization methods on osteoblast function. A comparative in vitro study]

Sterilization and disinfection methods for bone grafts vary in their impact on cellular behavior. Bone graft features can be altered depending on the sterilization or disinfection method used. These changes may influence the activity of various cell types, including osteoblasts. Prior research has shown that bone graft processing can affect cell viability and function. However, the specific effects on osteoblasts remain unclear. This uncertainty drives the need for in vitro studies to compare different sterilization approaches. No prior work has resolved the comparative impact of DEM-LTP and other methods on osteoblast function. This gap motivates the current investigation into how different treatments influence osteoblast behavior.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of various bone disinfection and sterilization methods on osteoblast function. Osteoblast activity is critical for bone graft integration and healing. Different sterilization techniques may alter the bone matrix in ways that affect cell behavior. This study simulates a cell-transplant interface to assess these effects in a controlled setting. The goal is to determine which method best supports osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The study focuses on comparing five specific treatment approaches. It was already known that bone graft processing influences cell behavior, but the extent of this influence is not fully understood. This study addresses that knowledge gap by using an in vitro model to observe functional outcomes.

Primary bovine osteoblast cultures were derived from periosteal tissue. Bovine cortical bone specimens were prepared with specific dimensions for testing. Five different treatment conditions were applied to the bone samples. These included autoclaving, ethylene oxide sterilization, DEM-LTP, chemical sterilization, and 80°C disinfection. Cell function parameters were measured to assess osteoblast behavior. Plating efficiency was evaluated by DNA content analysis. Proliferation was measured using MTT activity and DNA content. Additional parameters included soluble protein synthesis, extracellular matrix production, and enzyme expression.

All disinfected bone grafts were found to be biocompatible with primary osteoblasts. Cell activities on the bone specimens exceeded those observed on plastic controls. The DEM-LTP-treated bone showed the highest performance in terms of cell function. This group demonstrated enhanced proliferation and differentiation compared to others. Alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin expression were higher in the DEM-LTP group. The 80°C disinfected group showed intermediate results but still supported cell activity. Autoclaving and ethylene oxide sterilization yielded lower proliferation and differentiation levels. Chemical sterilization also resulted in reduced osteoblast function compared to DEM-LTP.

The study suggests that sterilization and disinfection methods influence osteoblast function. DEM-LTP appears to be the most effective method in supporting osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The authors propose that this method preserves the bone matrix in a way that supports cell activity. The findings indicate that not all sterilization techniques are equally suitable for bone graft applications. The DEM-LTP method may offer advantages over others in maintaining osteoblast function. The results trace to the authors' claim that biocompatibility and cell function are preserved with certain treatments. The authors conclude that the choice of sterilization method should consider its impact on cell behavior. This conclusion is based on the observed differences in cell activity across treatment groups.