A simple and inexpensive method for evaluation of in vitro cell adhesion on screws

Only a limited number of techniques are available for assessing the effect of different coating materials on cell adherence to screws. In this study, we describe a simple and inexpensive method for evaluation of cell adhesion on irregular surfaces such as the surgical or implant screws. For this purpose, we prepared semi-submerged screws in the petri dishes using agar. Using BSA- or HA-coated screws, we tested whether BSA or HA could improve cell adherence when used as coating materials. Agar-coated screws were used as internal control. Then the "ratio of cell adherence" was calculated by subtracting the reference RCA value obtained from the agar coated screws (internal control). When compared to that of the non-coated screws both the HA- and BSA-coating improved cell adherence on the screws by 2.34 and 2.72 fold respectively. Similarly, MTT assay data revealed that the metabolic capacities of cells on HA- or BSA-coated screws were improved by 2.36 and 2.86 fold respectively. These findings suggest that this protocol can be used for comparing the ability of cells to attach on irregular surfaces such as dental or orthopedic screws and assessing their viability.