Evaluation of polylactide monomers in an in vitro biocompatibility assay.

The effect of 0.1 and 0.5% L- and D-monomers on cultured fibroblasts was determined by studying the proliferation, morphology and cellular activity. The addition of 0.5% monomer reduced the metabolic activity of the cells by about 40%, but the proliferation and morphology were only negatively affected for the 0.5% monomer in combination with an increased osmolarity of the medium. The addition of sucrose, however, resulted in an increased proliferation and acid phosphatase activity, as well as an altered morphology. Therefore, it can be concluded from this study that the osmolarity, as well as the nature and concentration of the added material, can exert an influence on proliferation, morphology and/or cellular activity.