Abstract
The bioactivity and biocompatibility of Bioglass-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite (Bioglass/HDPE) have been evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF) and by in vitro cell culture, respectively. The formation of a biologically active hydroxy-carbonate apatite (HCA) layer on the composite surface after immersion in SBF was demonstrated by thin-film X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, indicating the in vitro bioactivity of Bioglass/HDPE composites. The HCA layer was formed on the 40 vol% composite surface within 3 days immersion in SBF at a formation rate comparable to those on bioactive glass-ceramics, showing that in vitro bioactivity could be obtained in a composite. Furthermore, the composite was biocompatible to primary human osteoblast-like cells. In comparison with unfilled HDPE and tissue culture plastic control, a significant increase in cellular metabolic activity was found on the composite. Therefore, Bioglass/HDPE composites have a promising biological response as a potential implant material.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 809-13 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1997 |