Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on niobium-doped fluorapatite glass-ceramics

Abstract Objective Our goal was to characterize the response of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to a niobium-doped fluorapatite-based glass-ceramic (FAp). Methods The glass was prepared by twice melting at 1525 °C for 3 h, and cast into cylindrical ingots later sectioned into discs and heat-treated to promote crystallization of fluorapatite submicrometer crystals. Tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) was used as control. The surface of the FAp discs was either left as-heat treated, ground or etched. Initial cell attachment was assessed at 3 h. Proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression data were collected at days 1, 4, and 8. Cell morphology was examined using SEM, at days 2 and 4. Mineralization was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining and SEM. Results Initial cell attachment on as heat-treated, etched, or ground surfaces was similar to that of the positive control group ( p  > 0.05). The percentage of area covered by living cells increased significantly on as heat-treated, etched, or ground surfaces between days 1 and 8 ( p Significance hMSCs displayed excellent attachment, proliferation, and differentiation on niobium-doped FAp glass-ceramic.