Biomaterial studies in cultures of human stapedial bone-like cells]

Background. Cell culture studies may provide information on the behavior of biomaterials in the intended implant environment. Cell cultures from such an environment could be used for the development of middle ear implants. Material and methods. Secondary bonelike cell cultures derived from human stapes were exposed to different materials (Al2O3 ceramic, glass ceramic (Ceravital (R)), gold and titanium). Proliferation was studied for up to 40 days. Results. The proliferation of cultured stapes bone-like cells did not differ significantly between the four tested biomaterials. The well known cytotoxic effect of copper, which was used as a control, was evident. Conclusions. Four biomaterials (Al2O3 ceramic, glass ceramic (Ceravital (R)), gold and titanium) have similar biocompatibility and no toxicity when tested in human stapes cell cultures. This in vitro model may be of considerable value for the further development of middle ear implants, e.g., when coated with bone morphogenetic proteins.