IN VITRO EVALUATION OF MG-BASED METALLIC BIOMATERIALS

The development and medical application of Mg-based biomaterials as implants for bone and tissue regeneration require an extensive evaluation of their in vitro performances including degradation behavior under physiological conditions and fundamental biocompatibility monitoring including complex in vitro cell culture models elucidating the involved biological functions and molecular processes. An overview of the diverse biological effects related to degradable Mg - based biomaterials will be disclosed. Three major aspects for tissue regeneration will be presented in detail. Important effects of Mg-based biomaterials for the application as orthopedic implant are the impact on bone and cartilage regeneration. Therefore, the dependency of mesenchymal stem cell donor on the differentiation into osteoblast and their mineralization capability will be assessed. Standard differentiation conditions as well as assays for mineralization will be suggested. The Mg impact on the differentiation of immortalized stem cells SCP-1 was further studied at a concentration below a 10 mM Mg. An increased expression of chondrogenic as well as osteogenic markers such as different collagens and bone morphogenetic proteins were determined. The formation of new blood vessels is essential for nutrient and oxygen supply and therefore for tissue regeneration. The Mg-concentration dependent effect on primary endothelial cells proliferation as well as a migration induction at a concentration of 10 mM Mg accompanied with an increased expressions of angiogenetic markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1 or FLT1 or fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2 or KDR for Kinase insert domain receptor) will be shown. These are complementary examples highlighting the promising biological effects of Mg-based materials and their potential applications for tissue regenerative therapies. Perspectively, the investigation of the multitude of effects related to degradable Mg-biomaterial should be supported by mathematical modelling and simulation to ensure a comprehensive understanding.