Bone Demineralization With Citric Acid Enhances Adhesion and Spreading of Preosteoblasts

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that bone demineralization can improve consolidation in bone grafts. The biologic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear.Methods: Twelve adult male guinea pigs were used in this experiment. Forty-five bone samples removed from the calvaria of nine animals were divided in groups (n = 9) according to the time of demineralization with citric acid (50%, pH 1): 15, 30, 90, and 180 seconds and non-demineralized samples (control). Preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) were cultured on the bone samples for 24, 48, and 72 hours (n = 3). Fifteen samples removed from the remaining three animals were analyzed by scanning electron microcopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) after demineralization (n = 3).Results: The number of preosteoblasts increased significantly with time in all groups. The bone surface area covered by these cells increased with time, except in the control group. Intragroup differences occurred between 24 and 72 hours (P <0.05). Samples demine...