Influence of pore size and hydroxyapatite deposition in poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds on osteoblast-like cells cultured in static and dynamic conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of microstructural parameters, the presence of hydroxyapatite (HA) and cell culture conditions on growth of bone cells on poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds. The scaffolds with 85% porosity and pore size: 250–320 µm and 400–600 µm were modified with hydroxyapatite (HA). MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured in static and dynamic conditions on these scaffolds up to day 14. HA deposits increased wettability of the modified scaffolds. Cell adhesion and proliferation in static conditions were comparable for all scaffold types till day 14. In dynamic condition, the highest cell growth was on 400–600HA, which was comparable to that in static culture. Significantly lower cell growth was on 250–320 and 400–600 non-modified scaffolds. For 250–320HA cell number was significantly higher than on 250–320, but lower than on 400–600HA. Thus, deposition of HA on PLGA scaffolds with higher size of pores, i.e. 400–600HA, enhanced cell growth in dynamic conditions. On all scaffolds cells produced osteogenic markers osteopontin and osteocalcin. The most abundant osteopontin level was on 400–600HA.