Page 6 - PR 2014 2016 10 Materials and Nanotechnology

282 Materials and Nanotechnology | Progress Report

The osteoblast adhesion tests with
MG63 line cells showed the posi -
tive effect of the vitreous phase on
the bioactivity, since the number of
cells increased as the culture time
for all studied samples. The bone
formation ability of the samples can
also be verified by the large areas
of calcified matrix shown in the
image of the surface stained with
alizarin after 14 days of cell culture
(Figure 4).

Hence, considering the results of
Figure 3: Image of a silicon nitride sample submitted to bioactivity test in SBF densification, microstructure, me-
after 16 days of immersion
chanical properties and in vitro
Backscattered scanning electron micrographs biological behavior, the obtained silicon
of the samples surfaces submitted to SBF tests nitride composites is a promising for ap -
indicate the formation of a superficial layer plications in biomedical devices, mainly in
with globular structures (Figure 3), typical of intervertebral disc spacers, artificial l disc
the apatite, indicating the bioactivity of the replacement and acetabular components in
studied composites. total hip prostheses.

Figure 4: Light microscopy image
of alizarin red S staining for
mineralization in MG-63 cells for a
silicon nitride sample after 14 days of
culture.

Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares