The effect of HA, TCP and ALCAP bioceramic capsules on the viability of human monocyte and monocyte derived macrophages.

The relationship between various bioceramics used in surgical implantation and inflammatory cellular response has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various biomedical ceramics such as tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and aluminum-calcium-phosphorous oxide (ALCAP) on the adherence and viability of human monocyte and monocyte derived macrophages in vitro. The monocytes were isolated from human peripheral blood and seeded at a density of 5 x 10(5) cells/well according to standard laboratory procedures. Cells were considered macrophages after remaining in culture for 24 hours. Cells were then plated in each microtiter well loaded with ceramic capsules (HA, TCP and ALCAP) and buffered control. At the end of 1, 2, 3, and 7 days the viability and cell number of monocyte or monocyte derived macrophages were determined using an established assay. Cell number was determined in control wells with known amounts of cell number, a standard curve was generated by plotting absorbance units versus cell number. Biochemical analysis was performed on the aliquots obtained from the experimental and control wells at the end of each phase of the investigation. The data from this experiment suggest that: (I) monocytes and macrophages are capable of adhering to the surface of HA, TCP and ALCAP in an in vitro environment for over a 7 day period. (II) Long term incubation of ceramic capsules with macrophages revealed that the cells experienced gradual disassociation phenomenon with a greater number of cell detachment seen in the ALCAP contained wells. (III) SEM analysis of representative capsules demonstrated that there is an increase in the number of micropores on the surface of the materials after contacting a cellular environment. This observation suggest that the material surface has been modified (TCP > HA = ALCAP). (IV) Biochemical analysis of aliquots at the end of each phase showed a significant change (P < 0.05) in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Information obtained from this study provided new insights on the interrelationship between bioceramics and the possible cell response during chronic inflammation at the site of implantation.