Growth of fibroblasts and epithelioid cells on a new machinable bioactive glass ceramic in comparison with non-reactive materials.

In this study scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the substrate attachment, cell spreading and growth properties of fibroblasts and epithelioid cells on a newly developed machinable bioactive glass ceramic. The morphogenetic reactions of cell cultured on bioactive ceramic were compared with those of identical cells cultured on non-reactive glass and vitreous carbon. The adhesion, subsequent spreading and the growth appearance of fibroblasts and epithelioid cells on the surface of machinable glass ceramics are similar to those on nonreactive materials. Our findings concerning the behaviour of cell populations in vitro on the surface of a new machinable glass ceramic allow the conclusion that this implant material is adhesive for cells and biocompatible.