Effect of various bone disinfection and sterilization methods on osteoblast function. A comparative in vitro study

All sterilization and disinfection procedures for bone grafts are different in regard to influence of bone graft features, which may influence the function of different cell types. We used an in-vitro approach to assess the influence of bone matrix, which was sterilized or disinfected, on osteoblastic activities in-vitro by simulating a cell-transplant-interface. Primary bovine osteoblast cell cultures were established from periosteum. Bone graft specimens made of bovine cortical bone (O 15 mm, 300 microns thickness) were treated in 5 different ways: autoclaved, ethylene-oxide-sterilized, demineralized and low-temperature-plasma-sterilized (DEM-LTP), chemically sterilized (modified Tutoplast method), and 80 degrees C-temperature disinfected. The following cell function parameters were assayed: plating efficiency proliferation by measuring the DNA-content, and MTT-activity, soluble protein and extracellular matrix synthesis, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin expression. All disinfected bone grafts were biocompatible with primary periosteal osteoblasts. Measured cell activities upon bone specimens showed better results than cells of the plastic surface control. The DEM-LTP-bone showed better results in comparison to other groups, and stimulated the proliferation and differentiation.