Biocompatibility of silver nanoparticles and silver ions in primary human mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts

The prevention of implant-related infections is an important issue in medical research. The aim is to exploit the strong antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) to develop new antibacterial coatings for implants. However, there is still a serious lack of information on the influence of AgNP on bone metabolism. In the present study we have evaluated the influence of AgNP on cell stress, viability, proliferation and differentiation of primary human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and osteoblasts (OB). Finally, cellular uptake of the AgNP was examined. After 21 days impairment of cell viability of MSC and OB occurred at a concentration of 10 μg/g of AgNP. Cytotoxicity and inhibition of proliferation was highly time and dose dependent. No influence on cell differentiation, but an increase in cell stress, was observed. Uptake of AgNP into MSC and OB could be confirmed. In summary, these results demonstrate AgNP-mediated cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. Therefore, a therapeutical window for the application of AgNP in medical products might exist. However, the antibacterial benefits and potential health risks of AgNP need to be weighed in further studies.