Growth and differentiation of osteoblastic cells on 13-93 bioactive glass fibers and scaffolds

This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the ability of two types of constructs of bioactive, silica-based 13-93 glass fibers to support the growth and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. The two types of constructs tested included single-layer 13-93 glass fiber rafts and three-dimensional porous scaffolds formed from sintered 13-93 fibers. Scanning electron micrographs showed a closely adhering, well-spread morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells seeded on both types of constructs. The scanning electron microscopy images also showed a continuous increase in cell densities during a 6 day incubation on 13-93 glass fiber rafts and scaffolds. Quantitative fluorescence measurements of DNA also revealed a linear increase in cell density during a 6 day incubation on both types of 13-93 constructs. Examination of scaffolds incubated in MTT containing medium showed the presence of metabolically active viable cells within the interior of the scaffold. The addition of ascorbic acid to MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the 13-93 glass fibers triggered a threefold increase in alkaline phosphatase, a key indicator of osteoblast differentiation. The sintered scaffolds were found to have open, interconnected pores favorable for tissue ingrowth with a compressive strength similar to cancellous bone. Collectively, the results indicate that 13-93 glass fiber scaffolds are a favorable substrate for the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts and a promising material for bone tissue engineering and repair of bone defects.