Effect of TCP sintering temperatures on MRC-5 fibroblast proliferation and viability

Calcium/Phosphate ceramics have recently been used as orthopaedic implants, drug delivery systems, and models for studies on bone remodeling. Although their use has been very successful, problems such as aseptic loosening, coagulation, fibrous tissue formation, and inflammation have been noted. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of tri-calcium Phosphate (TCP) ceramics sintered at different temperatures on the proliferation of MRC-5 fibroblasts. This was accomplished by light microscopy morphologic analysis, measurements of MDA (a measure of cell damage) and total protein, and cell counts. The experimental design consisted of four experimental groups and one control group. 96 TCP ceramics were divided into 4 groups of 24, with each group being assigned a different sintering temperature of 800, 1000, 1200 or 1400 degrees celcius. Each temperature group was then further divided into 8 ceramics per phase of 24, 48 and 72 hours. All data were analyzed using Sigma Stat software. The data collected from this study provided useful information pertaining to the optimum manufacturing conditions that produce high proliferation rates with minimal cellular damage. At 72 hours (the phase simulating chronic conditions), cell counts and MDA analysis showed that the cells incubated with the TCP sintered at 1200 degrees C had the greatest proliferation and least damage when compared to the other groups. Morphological, MDA and protein analysis showed the cells incubated with the 1400 degrees C TCP capsules to have undergone lysis or other extreme cellular alterations. Overall, the data collected revealed a marked alteration in cellular function and morphology over the range of sintering temperatures that were tested.