Silicon-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Particles and Response of Adipose Stem Cells In Vitro

Abstract

Due to the similarity of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) to natural bone tissue, but, because of its low degradation rate, the current study focuses on silicon-substituted HA (Si-HA) synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluations. Si-HA was successfully prepared through sol-gel processing route and characterized using SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR. Si-HA particles were found to be non-cytotoxic following exposure to adipose stem cells (ADSCs). In fact, Si-HA particles showed a high level of matrix mineralization following prolonged and continuous exposure to ADSCs. It is suggested that the incorporation of Si in HA structure positively affects cellular behavior, associated with a higher degradation rate, and subsequently greater level of ionic product release from Si-HA particles. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has long been applied as bone substitutes but its low degradation rate limits its application. One approach is the incorporation of silicon (Si) within HA structure. This study confirms that Si-substituted HA enhance stem cell proliferation and promote osteogenic differentiation. Hence, Si-HA could be utilized in composites, scaffolds, and coatings for bone-related disorders.