Proliferation, differentiation, and calcification of preosteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells cultured onto noncrystalline calcium phosphate glass.

The purpose of this study was to investigate calcium phosphate glass as a potential biomaterial for hard tissue repair. We prepared calcium phosphate glass using the system CaO-CaF(2)-P(2)O(5)-MgO-ZnO and cultured MC3T3-E1 cells onto the glass in alpha-MEM with beta-glycerophosphatase and ascorbic acid. Proliferation of the cells was determined to evaluate the biocompatibility of the prepared calcium phosphate glass. The alkaline phosphatase activity was measured to examine the osteoblast differentiation. Mineralization was evaluated by staining the calcium precipitates with Alizarin red. Culture onto the calcium phosphate glass exhibited no significant influence on cell proliferation compared to the polystyrene chosen as a control in this experiment (p > 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity in the experimental group, however, was enhanced by the calcium phosphate glass significantly at 10-18 days after incubation than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The promotion of bone-like tissue formation by the calcium phosphate glass was observed after 7 days and thereafter. The results of the present study indicate that the prepared calcium phosphate glass affects osteogenesis by increasing calcification of the extracellular matrix. Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 69A: 188-195, 2004