ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This research is to clarify utilization and efficiency of porous coated NiTi alloy by observing its affinity on human osteoblast. In this study, the biocompatibility of porous NiTi alloy was analyzed by investigating the biological activity and growth patterns of osteoblasts on NiTi alloy in vitro, followed by comparative analysis of their activity on commercial titanium based alloy (TBA) and tissue culture polystyrene (TCP), as a control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human osteoblasts were obtained from the iliac crest of a normal adult and cultured with routine maneuver. A seeding of cultured human osteoblasts to each group (NiTi alloy : experimental 1 group, TBA: experimental 2 group, TCP: control group) was done at the 15th day of primary culture. At the 4th, 7th and 10th seeding day, we observed the morphology of cultured cells on the surface of materials using scanning electron microscope and measured the amount of biosynthesis of cell protein and activity of alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS: In the scanning electron microscope study, the osteoblasts in experimental 1 and 2 groups were proliferated well in similar levels. However in control group, growth of osteoblasts were significantly retarded than experimental 1 and 2 groups. And the biosynthesis of proteins and activity of alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in experimental 1 and 2 groups time dependently but decreased apparently in control group. CONCLUSION: The porous NiTi alloy which was proved to have good affinity and biocompatibility on human osteoblasts could be used as one of press-fit implants in orthopaedic fields.