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Biocompatibility of Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2017) | Viewed by 95725

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Prof. Dr. Mohan Jacob

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Electronic Materials Research Lab, College of Science and Engineering, Technology and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
Interests: polymer thin films; plasma polymerisation; biocompatibility; biotechnology; biofouling; electronic materials; organic semiconductors; microwave characterisation of superconductors and dielectric materials
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Dear Colleagues,

Biocompatibility is a very important requirement for developing materials for implantable devices, especially since the interaction of living systems or tissue with the device can influence the possible rate of infection. It is vital that the materials used for developing implantable electronic devices or for encapsulation of devices should have good biocompatibility so that immunological rejection can be avoided. A biocompatibility study can reveal the impending toxicity ensuing from bodily contact with a foreign body, material or implanted device. Medical devices are generally fabricated using biocompatible materials, but it is also critical to test the biocompatibility of the full device. The objective of this Special Issue entitled “Biocompatibility of Materials” is to report on biocompatibility studies of novel and/or improved advanced materials that can be used for biomedical applications and medical devices. High quality papers highlighting reviews and original research work in the area of biomaterials, biocompatible materials, bio-resorbable materials, biofouling and any materials or devices that can be used for biomedical applications are sought.

Mohan V. Jacob
Guest Editor

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Keywords

• Biocompatibility
• Biomaterials
• Implantable devices
• Biotechnology
• Biofouling

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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1556 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Effect of Coatings and Nerve Growth Factor on Attachment and Differentiation of Pheochromocytoma Cells

by Anna Orlowska, Pallale Tharushi Perera, Mohammad Al Kobaisi, Andre Dias, Huu Khuong Duy Nguyen, Shahram Ghanaati, Vladimir Baulin, Russell J. Crawford and Elena P. Ivanova

Materials 2018, 11(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11010060 - 31 Dec 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6407

Abstract

Cellular attachment plays a vital role in the differentiation of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells are noradrenergic clonal cells isolated from the adrenal medulla of Rattus norvegicus and studied extensively as they have the ability to differentiate into sympathetic neuron-like cells. The effect of several experimental parameters including (i) the concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF); (ii) substratum coatings, such as poly-L-lysine (PLL), fibronectin (Fn), and laminin (Lam); and (iii) double coatings composed of PLL/Lam and PLL/Fn on the differentiation process of PC12 cells were studied. Cell morphology was visualised using brightfield phase contrast microscopy, cellular metabolism and proliferation were quantified using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, and the neurite outgrowth and axonal generation of the PC12 cells were evaluated using wide field fluorescence microscopy. It was found that double coatings of PLL/Lam and PLL/Fn supported robust adhesion and a two-fold enhanced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells when treated with 100 ng/mL of NGF while exhibiting stable metabolic activity, leading to the accelerated generation of axons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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4990 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Role of Controlled Surface Topography and Chemistry on Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Attachment, Growth and Self-Renewal

by Melanie Macgregor, Rachel Williams, Joni Downes, Akash Bachhuka and Krasimir Vasilev

Materials 2017, 10(9), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10091081 - 14 Sep 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5183

Abstract

The success of stem cell therapies relies heavily on our ability to control their fate in vitro during expansion to ensure an appropriate supply. The biophysical properties of the cell culture environment have been recognised as a potent stimuli influencing cellular behaviour. In this work we used advanced plasma-based techniques to generate model culture substrates with controlled nanotopographical features of 16 nm, 38 nm and 68 nm in magnitude, and three differently tailored surface chemical functionalities. The effect of these two surface properties on the adhesion, spreading, and self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were assessed. The results demonstrated that physical and chemical cues influenced the behaviour of these stem cells in in vitro culture in different ways. The size of the nanotopographical features impacted on the cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation, while the chemistry influenced the cell self-renewal and differentiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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5970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of Collagen in Calcium Phosphate Cements for Controlling Osseointegration

by Ming-Hsien Hu, Pei-Yuan Lee, Wen-Cheng Chen and Jin-Jia Hu

Materials 2017, 10(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10080910 - 6 Aug 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5314

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of supplementing a non-dispersive dicalcium phosphate-rich calcium phosphate bone cement (DCP-rich CPC) with type I collagen on in vitro cellular activities and its performance as a bone graft material. Varying amounts of type I collagen were added during the preparation of the DCP-rich CPC. In vitro cell adhesion, morphology, viability, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were evaluated using progenitor bone cells. Bone graft performance was evaluated via a rat posterolateral lumbar fusion model and osteointegration of the implant. New bone formations in the restorative sites were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis. We found that the incorporation of collagen into the DCP-rich CPC was associated with increased cell adhesion, cell viability, and ALP activity in vitro. The spinal fusion model revealed a significant increase in bone regeneration. Additionally, better osseointegration was observed between the host bone and graft with the DCP-rich CPC supplemented with collagen than with the collagen-free DCP-rich CPC control graft. Furthermore, compared to the control graft, the results of micro-CT showed that a smaller amount of residual material was observed with the collagen-containing DCP-rich CPC graft compared with the control graft, which suggests the collagen supplement enhanced new bone formation. Of the different mixtures evaluated in this study (0.8 g DCP-rich CPC supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL type I collagen, respectively), DCP-rich CPC supplemented with 0.4 mL collagen led to the highest level of osteogenesis. Our results suggest that the DCP-rich CPC supplemented with collagen has potential to be used as an effective bone graft material in spinal surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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10277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Two Xenograft Materials Used in Sinus Lift Procedures: Material Characterization and In Vivo Behavior

by María Piedad Ramírez Fernández, Patricia Mazón, Sergio A. Gehrke, Jose Luis Calvo-Guirado and Piedad N. De Aza

Materials 2017, 10(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10060623 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6896

Abstract

Detailed information about graft material characteristic is crucial to evaluate their clinical outcomes. The present study evaluates the physico-chemical characteristics of two xenografts manufactured on an industrial scale deproteinized at different temperatures (non-sintered and sintered) in accordance with a protocol previously used in sinus lift procedures. It compares how the physico-chemical properties influence the material’s performance in vivo by a histomorphometric study in retrieved bone biopsies following maxillary sinus augmentation in 10 clinical cases. An X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the typical structure of hydroxyapatite (HA) for both materials. Both xenografts were porous and exhibited intraparticle pores. Strong differences were observed in terms of porosity, crystallinity, and calcium/phosphate. Histomorphometric measurements on the bone biopsies showed statistically significant differences. The physic-chemical assessment of both xenografts, made in accordance with the protocol developed on an industrial scale, confirmed that these products present excellent biocompatibilitity, with similar characteristics to natural bone. The sintered HA xenografts exhibited greater osteoconductivity, but were not completely resorbable (30.80 ± 0.88% residual material). The non-sintered HA xenografts induced about 25.92 ± 1.61% of new bone and a high level of degradation after six months of implantation. Differences in the physico-chemical characteristics found between the two HA xenografts determined a different behavior for this material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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10073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SEM-EDX Study of the Degradation Process of Two Xenograft Materials Used in Sinus Lift Procedures

by María Piedad Ramírez Fernández, Sergio A. Gehrke, Carlos Pérez Albacete Martinez, Jose L. Calvo Guirado and Piedad N. De Aza

Materials 2017, 10(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10050542 - 17 May 2017

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9287

Abstract

Some studies have demonstrated that in vivo degradation processes are influenced by the material’s physico-chemical properties. The present study compares two hydroxyapatites manufactured on an industrial scale, deproteinized at low and high temperatures, and how physico-chemical properties can influence the mineral degradation process of material performance in bone biopsies retrieved six months after maxillary sinus augmentation. Residual biomaterial particles were examined by field scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the composition and degree of degradation of the bone graft substitute material. According to the EDX analysis, the Ca/P ratio significantly lowered in the residual biomaterial (1.08 ± 0.32) compared to the initial composition (2.22 ± 0.08) for the low-temperature sintered group, which also presented high porosity, low crystallinity, low density, a large surface area, poor stability, and a high resorption rate compared to the high-temperature sintered material. This demonstrates that variations in the physico-chemical properties of bone substitute material clearly influence the degradation process. Further studies are needed to determine whether the resorption of deproteinized bone particles proceeds slowly enough to allow sufficient time for bone maturation to occur. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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4747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytotoxicity of Light-Cured Dental Materials according to Different Sample Preparation Methods

by Myung-Jin Lee, Mi-Joo Kim, Jae-Sung Kwon, Sang-Bae Lee and Kwang-Mahn Kim

Materials 2017, 10(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10030288 - 14 Mar 2017

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 8247

Abstract

Dental light-cured resins can undergo different degrees of polymerization when applied in vivo. When polymerization is incomplete, toxic monomers may be released into the oral cavity. The present study assessed the cytotoxicity of different materials, using sample preparation methods that mirror clinical conditions. Composite and bonding resins were used and divided into four groups according to sample preparation method: uncured; directly cured samples, which were cured after being placed on solidified agar; post-cured samples were polymerized before being placed on agar; and “removed unreacted layer” samples had their oxygen-inhibition layer removed after polymerization. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using an agar diffusion test, MTT assay, and confocal microscopy. Uncured samples were the most cytotoxic, while removed unreacted layer samples were the least cytotoxic (p < 0.05). In the MTT assay, cell viability increased significantly in every group as the concentration of the extracts decreased (p < 0.05). Extracts from post-cured and removed unreacted layer samples of bonding resin were less toxic than post-cured and removed unreacted layer samples of composite resin. Removal of the oxygen-inhibition layer resulted in the lowest cytotoxicity. Clinicians should remove unreacted monomers on the resin surface immediately after restoring teeth with light-curing resin to improve the restoration biocompatibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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4703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocompatibility and Inflammatory Potential of Titanium Alloys Cultivated with Human Osteoblasts, Fibroblasts and Macrophages

by Jana Markhoff, Martin Krogull, Christian Schulze, Christian Rotsch, Sandra Hunger and Rainer Bader

Materials 2017, 10(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10010052 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7179

Abstract

The biomaterials used to maintain or replace functions in the human body consist mainly of metals, ceramics or polymers. In orthopedic surgery, metallic materials, especially titanium and its alloys, are the most common, due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Aside from the established Ti6Al4V alloy, shape memory materials such as nickel-titanium (NiTi) have risen in importance, but are also discussed because of the adverse effects of nickel ions. These might be reduced by specific surface modifications. In the present in vitro study, the osteoblastic cell line MG-63 as well as primary human osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and macrophages were cultured on titanium alloys (forged Ti6Al4V, additive manufactured Ti6Al4V, NiTi, and Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC)-coated NiTi) to verify their specific biocompatibility and inflammatory potential. Additive manufactured Ti6Al4V and NiTi revealed the highest levels of metabolic cell activity. DLC-coated NiTi appeared as a suitable surface for cell growth, showing the highest collagen production. None of the implant materials caused a strong inflammatory response. In general, no distinct cell-specific response could be observed for the materials and surface coating used. In summary, all tested titanium alloys seem to be biologically appropriate for application in orthopedic surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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Review

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11998 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Review on the Antimicrobial Properties of Carbon Nanostructures

by Ahmed Al-Jumaili, Surjith Alancherry, Kateryna Bazaka and Mohan V. Jacob

Materials 2017, 10(9), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10091066 - 11 Sep 2017

Cited by 364 | Viewed by 17114

Abstract

Swift developments in nanotechnology have prominently encouraged innovative discoveries across many fields. Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising platforms for a broad range of applications due to their unique mechanical, electronic, and biological properties. Carbon nanostructures (CNSs) such as fullerene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and diamond-like carbon (DLC) have been demonstrated to have potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activities toward pathogens. In order to ensure the safe and effective integration of these structures as antibacterial agents into biomaterials, the specific mechanisms that govern the antibacterial activity of CNSs need to be understood, yet it is challenging to decouple individual and synergistic contributions of physical, chemical and electrical effects of CNSs on cells. In this article, recent progress in this area is reviewed, with a focus on the interaction between different families of carbon nanostructures and microorganisms to evaluate their bactericidal performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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8321 KiB

Open AccessReview

Smart Carriers and Nanohealers: A Nanomedical Insight on Natural Polymers

by Sreejith Raveendran, Ankit K. Rochani, Toru Maekawa and D. Sakthi Kumar

Materials 2017, 10(8), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10080929 - 10 Aug 2017

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8134

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are popularly being used in an increasing number of fields in the past few decades. The popularity and favorability of these materials are due to their remarkable properties, enabling a wide range of applications and market requirements to be met. Polymer biodegradable systems are a promising arena of research for targeted and site-specific controlled drug delivery, for developing artificial limbs, 3D porous scaffolds for cellular regeneration or tissue engineering and biosensing applications. Several natural polymers have been identified, blended, functionalized and applied for designing nanoscaffolds and drug carriers as a prerequisite for enumerable bionano technological applications. Apart from these, natural polymers have been well studied and are widely used in material science and industrial fields. The present review explains the prominent features of commonly used natural polymers (polysaccharides and proteins) in various nanomedical applications and reveals the current status of the polymer research in bionanotechnology and science sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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6686 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metallic Biomaterials: Current Challenges and Opportunities

by Karthika Prasad, Olha Bazaka, Ming Chua, Madison Rochford, Liam Fedrick, Jordan Spoor, Richard Symes, Marcus Tieppo, Cameron Collins, Alex Cao, David Markwell, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov and Kateryna Bazaka

Materials 2017, 10(8), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10080884 - 31 Jul 2017

Cited by 468 | Viewed by 20884

Abstract

Metallic biomaterials are engineered systems designed to provide internal support to biological tissues and they are being used largely in joint replacements, dental implants, orthopaedic fixations and stents. Higher biomaterial usage is associated with an increased incidence of implant-related complications due to poor implant integration, inflammation, mechanical instability, necrosis and infections, and associated prolonged patient care, pain and loss of function. In this review, we will briefly explore major representatives of metallic biomaterials along with the key existing and emerging strategies for surface and bulk modification used to improve biointegration, mechanical strength and flexibility of biometals, and discuss their compatibility with the concept of 3D printing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials)

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