Osteoblast-like cell ingrowth, adhesion and proliferation on porous Ti-6Al-4V with particulate and fiber scaffolds

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of osteoblast-like cell ingrowth into porous Ti-6Al-4V structures with well-controlled geometries. The effects of pore size and strut geometry are elucidated in in-vitro cell ingrowth experiments on porous Ti-6Al-4V structures with particulate and fiber geometries. The initial stages of cell spreading and proliferation are examined using cell culture experiments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay are used to reveal the initial stages of cell spreading and attachment. Enzymatic detachment tests are also used to examine cell adhesion after 48 h of cell culture. The results show a strong effect of pore size on the rate of cell bridging over gaps. The extent of cell ingrowth, initial cell adhesion and cell proliferation also increase with decreasing pore size. A lower incidence of cell bridging (over gaps) is observed on the fiber porous structures. However, fiber geometries enable contact guidance during cell spreading along the fiber directions. This enhances the extent of cell ingrowth into the fiber porous structures. No significant differences are observed in cell adhesion and proliferation on porous structures with similar pore sizes.