The influence of pore geometry in cp Ti-implants--a cell culture investigation.

Biocompatibility testing of differently structured titanium implants was performed using an in vitro test system of a newly established human fetal osteoblastic cell line (hFOB 1.19). Cell adhesion of osteoblastic cells on the different porous geometries and the suitability of a copper vapor laser system for surface structuring was tested with the following parameters: cell-number, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase expression. The analysis of the cell culture results demonstrated that 25 microm and 200 microm porous geometries showed similar or even better results than the negative control of polystyrene; there was no sign of toxic effects. However, the 100 microm porous geometry showed an impressive negative influence on the calculated parameters. The reason for this effect is unclear. The series with 50 microm, 300 microm, 400 microm and 500 microm showed a comparable, intermediate effect on the cell culture with respect to the different parameters. However, the results were worse than with the 25 and 200 microm porous geometry. In conclusion, the 25 microm and 200 microm porous geometry seems to have the most positive effect on the human osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19.