In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of PLLA-316L Stainless Steel Electromechanical Devices for Bone Tissue Engineering—A Preliminary Study

• Main Authors: Mariana V. Branquinho, Sheila O. Ferreira, Rui D. Alvites, Adriana F. Magueta, Maxim Ivanov, Ana Catarina Sousa, Irina Amorim, Fátima Faria, M. H. V. Fernandes, Paula M. Vilarinho, Ana Colette Maurício
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: PLLA; SS316L; bone regeneration; biomaterials; cytocompatibility; biocompatibility
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/14/7655

Bone injuries represent a major social and financial impairment, commonly requiring surgical intervention due to a limited healing capacity of the tissue, particularly regarding critical-sized defects and non-union fractures. Regenerative medicine with the application of bone implants has been developing in the past decades towards the manufacturing of appropriate devices. This work intended to evaluate medical 316L stainless steel (SS)-based devices covered by a polymer poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) coating for bone lesion mechanical and functional support. SS316L devices were subjected to a previously described silanization process, following a three-layer PLLA film coating. Devices were further characterized and evaluated towards their cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential using human dental pulp stem cells, and biocompatibility via subcutaneous implantation in a rat animal model. Results demonstrated PLLA-SS316L devices to present superior in vitro and in vivo outcomes and suggested the PLLA coating to provide osteo-inductive properties to the device. Overall, this work represents a preliminary study on PLLA-SS316L devices’ potential towards bone tissue regenerative techniques, showing promising outcomes for bone lesion support.