Abstract:
Much research over the past five decades has focussed on the repair and replacement of bone. Recently,
the research focus has shifted to nanotechnology since it provides a platform from which to alter and
possibly improve materials’ properties. In this study we have made use of previously developed
electrospun biphasic nanoscaffolds to culture osteoblast cells on, and investigate specific responses of the
cells towards the scaffolds. Osteoclast-like cells and osteoblast cells were cultured separately on the
nanoscaffolds and the proliferation, adhesion and cellular response were determined. In this study, the
mineralisation of the osteoblast cells was observed in a time study. The intracellular calcium ion
concentration and nitric oxide concentration were determined in vitro while the cells were proliferating
on the scaffolds. The expression of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase was determined
immunohistochemically. Quantitative data were obtained from fluorometer studies. Qualitative data was
supplied by light- and fluorescent confocal microscopy. During studies with microscopy, a minimum of
five representative images from each sample were captured. The cells showed increased mineralisation
over time. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ was not observed when compared to the controls. However,
an increase in intracellular nitric oxide formation was detected. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide
synthase but not inducible nitric oxide synthase was detected in vitro. From the results we can conclude
that the scaffolds are biocompatible and conducive to healthy cell growth and differentiation and could
possibly be applied in non-load-bearing bone regeneration and repair applications.
