Scanning Electron Microscope Images of HUVEC Cells Treated with Materials Used for Processing of Orthopaedic and Dental Implants

Use of orthopedic implants (OI) and dental implants (DI) is increasing due to obesity and ageing of the population. To increase the bio-functionality of metallic biomaterials, used for OI and DI, it is important to modify their surface composition, roughness, and structure without altering their me-chanical properties. Different materials, such as minerals and inorganic compounds are used for coating OI and DI, however, they may cause response of the cells that are in contact with them in the body. To optimize the use of the materials in implant design, it is of interest to study the effect of the materials on cells. Here we present observations of micron-sized particles of milled Al2O3, TiO2 and hydroxyapatite (HA) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by scanning electron mi-croscope. We observed morphological changes of the cells – budding of the cell membrane. Compar-ing to the control, more cells were detached from the glass they were grown on, indicating possibility of increased cell death or inability of the cells to attach to the surface. Described changes can be due to oxidative stress and inflammatory response of the treated cells.