Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of PLLA-316L Stainless Steel Electromechanical Devices for Bone Tissue
Mariana V Branquinho1,2, Sheila O Ferreira3, Rui D Alvites1,2
1Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Bone injuries represent a major social and financial impairment, commonly requiring surgical intervention due to a limited healing capacity of the tissue, particularly regarding critical-sized defects and non-union fractures. Regenerative medicine with the application of bone implants has been developing in the past decades towards the manufacturing of appropriate devices. This work intended to evaluate medical 316L stainless steel (SS)-based devices covered by a polymer poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) coating for bone lesion mechanical and functional support. SS316L devices were subjected to a previously described silanization process, following a three-layer PLLA film coating. Devices were further characterized and evaluated towards their cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential using human dental pulp stem cells, and biocompatibility via subcutaneous implantation in a rat animal model. Results demonstrated PLLA-SS316L devices to present superior in vitro and in vivo outcomes and suggested the PLLA coating to provide osteo-inductive properties to the device. Overall, this work represents a preliminary study on PLLA-SS316L devices' potential towards bone tissue regenerative techniques, showing promising outcomes for bone lesion support.
