Effects of baicalin-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) surface on the behavior of osteoblasts

In the present study, the functions of rat calvaria osteoblasts on baicalin-modified poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films were investigated in vitro. The surface characteristics of surfaces (both modified and control) were investigated by water contact angle measurement and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Cell morphologies on these surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell adhesion and proliferation were used to assess cell growth on the modified and control surfaces. The MTT assay was used to determine cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was performed to evaluate differentiated cell function. Compared to control films, cell attachment of osteoblasts on baicalin-modified PDLLA film was significantly higher (P<0.05 and P<0.01) after 6 h and 8 h culture, and cell proliferation was also significantly greater (P<0.05 and P<0.01) at the end of 4th and 7th day, respectively. The MTT assay suggested that the cell viability of osteoblasts cultured on baicalin-modified PDLLA film was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that seeded on the control. Meanwhile, the ALP activity of osteoblasts cultured on modified films was also considerably enhanced (P<0.01) compared to that found on control. These results revealed that the biocompatibility PDLLA could be improved by surface modification with baicalin.