SLR - May 2010 - Josh Rhodenizer
Reference:
Antonucci, I., Pantalone, A., De Amicis, D., D’Onofrio, S., Stuppia, L., Palka, G., Salini, V. (2009). Human amniotic fluid stem cell culture onto titanium screws: a new perspective for bone engineering. Journal of Biological Regulators & Homeostatic Agents, 23(4): 277-279.
Scientific Literature Reviews
Reviewed by: Josh Rhodenizer, DPM
Residency Program: St. John Hospital and Medical Center
Podiatric Relevance:
This study provides initial data about the possibility of affixing undifferentiated stem cells to titanium screws to increase osteoblastic activity and reduce the potential of non-unions.
Methods:
Amniotic fluid samples were taken (2-3ml) from amniocentesis and were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1300 rpm. These cells were then cultured onto an osteogenic medium with different markers including alizarin red S solution to detect the presence of calcium. At day 20, the cells were transferred to 6 well plates containing titanium screws. After 3 days, scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the screws.
Results:
All screws showed at least one level of an adherent cell layer covering the entire surface of the screws, as well as the beginning of calcium formation. These results indicate that osteoblastic cells can adhere to titanium and produce calcium deposition.
Conclusion:
This study shows that amniotic stem cells can differentiate into osteogenic cells, and that these cells will adhere to titanium and proliferate. More studies are needed to assess the effect of other materials and their capability to have amniotic stem cells adhere to them and become osteogenic in nature.