RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The use of diverse materials for medical purposes is continuously expanding. The modification of materials which are routinely applied in medical practice as well as the development and introduction of new materials require studies on their biological activity. The first steps in this process are the preliminary short-term screening tests for cytotoxicity and biocompatibility performed on cell cultures. METHODS: Coating of stainless steel (316 L) scaffolds with chromium-cobalt was performed by electroplating using the non-standard electrolyte Chromispel. The process was carried through at different cathode current densities and deposition times. The modified surface of the metal scaffolds was studied for cytoxicity and cell vitality on the serum-free McCoy-Plovdiv and the immortalized PDL cell cultures. RESULTS: Our results indicate no cytotoxic effect of the coated metal scaffolds. Even more, three of the samples stimulated the proliferation and growth of McCoy-Plovdiv cells. CONCLUSION: We have strong reasons to believe that chromium-cobalt coatings are promising for future studies and reliable for medical purposes.
