Effect of particulate bioactive glass on human synoviocyte cultures

Bioglass is a resorbable glass material that has been shown to induce osteoblast proliferation as well as bone matrix production in vitro. Its physico-chemical properties have been reported to be suitable for use as an implant coating for arthroplasty. However, Bioglass is a ceramic material that can fragment into particulate debris in vivo. The effect of particulate Bioglass on tissue cells has not been defined. In order to determine the biologic response to particulate Bioglass, we tested its effect on human synoviocytes in a cell culture model. At the concentrations of 1.0 and 10, micrograms/mL, particulate Bioglass (sizes ranging from approximately 0.5 to 80 microns) had a low cytotoxic effect. However, these concentrations induced secretion of TNF alpha. The observation that particulate Bioglass elicits release of inflammatory cytokines suggests that the development of this bioceramic implant coating should address techniques that would minimize the generation of particulates.