Biological effects and cytotoxicity of the composite combined with tricalcium phosphate and glutaraldehyde crosslinked gelatin for orthopedic application

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the feasibility and cytocompatibility of a composite (GTG) as a large defect bone substitute. The composite is combined with tricalcium phosphate ceramic particles and glutaraldehyde cross-linked gelatin. The cytotoxicity of the GTG composite were examined by extracts cocultured with rat osteoblasts in vitro. The results of extracts cocultured with osteoblasts showed that the extracts obtained from the 2%, 4%, acid 8% GTG composites after soaked for 4 days were to inhibit the growth of osteoblasts. After being soaked for 4-7 days, the cell numbers were quickly increasing with the soaking time, and then the cell number almost reached a plateau after 14-day soaking period. In the analyses of substances released from the GTG composites, the authors found that the GTG composites were gradually releasing some nutritious elements containing gelatin and calcium.