Abstract

A Novel Laser Sintered-Titanium Cage Favors Human Osteoprogenitors Performance For Improved Intervertebral Discs Replacement

Maria Serena Piccinno, Scientist, University Hospital of Modena

Surgical approaches for spinal stabilization increased by 220% in the last 10 years [1]. During these procedures frequently used the arthrodesis titanium cages, it are implanted directly between two vertebral bodies to support biologic fusion in the cervical and lumbar spine levels [1,2]. The titanium cages are intended for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, instability and tumor [3]. For a comparative analysis, a new laser-sintered titanium disc (LSTD; Tsunami srl; Italy) with mesh-shaped architecture was introduced versus a pre-existing standard titanium compact cube (STCC) considering attachment, colonization and mineralizing matrix formation by Bone Marrow derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSC). BM-MSC (n=25x10^3) were seeded on both LSTD and STCC, and colonization was analyzed at 1h, 24h, 48h, 96h, 7d by 0,4% Crystal Violet staining. 48h after seeding, materials loaded with BM-MSC were also cultured for 14 days into osteogenic medium. BM-MSC rapidly attached to the LSTD mesh-shaped architecture (96h). Vice versa, the compact structure of STCC only promoted a limited multilayer stratification of BM-MSC, followed by cell detachment. After osteogenic induction, an Alizarin S positive signal was observed on the LSTD, while no staining in the STCC. Our findings reveal a better biocompatibility and an improved osteoinductive property of the new LSTD for more performing approaches in vertebral surgery.