Cytotoxicity of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sol–gel bioactive glass (3DOM-BG)

In this study, 80% SiO2–20% CaO (mole fraction) three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sol–gel bioactive glass (3DOM-BG, average pore size: 345 nm) particles were prepared and characterized. Since the 3DOM-BGs have a novel microstructure and ion-releasing profile, the cytotoxicity of 3DOM-BG particles was tested. The cytotoxicity tests were performed using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells: (1) Wst-1 assay for cell viability after culture in extracts from 3DOM-BG particles; (2) phase contrast microscopy for cell morphology after culture with 3DOM-BG particles; and (3) fluorescence microscopy for imaging cells cultured directly on 3DOM-BG particles. The results showed that 3DOM-BG particles were not cytotoxic, and that cells attached, spread and proliferated on and around 3DOM-BG particles.