In vitro study of the proliferation and growth of human bone marrow cells on apatite–wollastonite-2M glass ceramics

This study concerns the preparation and in vitro characterization of an apatite–wollastonite-2M bioactive glass ceramic which is intended to be used for the regeneration of hard tissue (i.e. in dental and craniomaxillofacial surgery). This bioglass ceramic has been obtained by appropriate thermal treatment through the devitrification (crystallization) of a glass with a stoichiometric eutectic composition within the Ca3(PO4)2–CaSiO3 binary system. Crack-free specimens of the bioglass ceramic were immersed in human bone marrow cell cultures for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days, in order to study biocompatibility. Cell morphology, proliferation and colonization were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A total protein content assay was used to evaluate the viability and proliferation of cultured bone marrow cells. The results showed that the cells were able to adhere and proliferate on the designed material due to the essentiality of silicon and calcium as accessory factors for cell activity stimulation.