Isolation of TiNbN wear particles from a coated metal ‐on‐metal bearing: Morphological characterization and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity in human osteoblasts

This study investigated the biological response of human osteoblasts to wear particles generated from TiNbN-coated hip implants. Abrasive particles were generated in a hip simulator according to ISO 14242-1/ −2 and extracted with Proteinase K. Particle characteristics were evaluated by electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Human osteoblasts were exposed to different part icle dilutions (1:20, 1:50, and 1:100), and cell viability and gene expression levels of osteogenic markers and inflammatory mediators were analyzed after 4 and 7 days. Using ICP-MS, EDS, and DLS measurements, ~70% of the particles were identified as TiNbN, ranging from 39 to 94 nm. The particle s exhibited a flat and subangular morphology. Exposure to particles did not influence cell viability and osteoblastic differentiation capacity. Protein levels of collagen type 1, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand were almost unaffected. Moreover, the pro-inflammato ry response via interleukins 6 and 8 was minor induced after particle contact. A high number of TiNbN wear particles only slightly affected osteoblasts' differentiation ability and inflammatory response compared to metallic particles. Nevertheless, further studies should investigate the role of thes e particles in peri-implant bone tissue, especially concerning other cell types.
Source: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials - Category: Materials Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research