BACKGROUND: Inorganic ions released from bioceramics and bioactive glasses have been reported to influence osteogenic cell functions. Cell responses depend on types of the ions provided, for example, silicate ion has been found to up-regulate their proliferation, differentiation and mineralization.
OBJECTIVE: Mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1) were cultured in media containing silicate and calcium ions with/without magnesium ion to evaluate their combined effects on the cell's functions.
METHODS: The cells were cultured in the media containing the extract of silicate-containing vaterite (SiV) and magnesiumand siloxane-containing one (MgSiV) and normal medium and then their adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and mineralization were evaluated.
RESULTS: The adhesion of the cells was enhanced when they were cultured in the medium containing MgSiV-extract. Their proliferation and differentiation were up-regulated in both media containing MgSiV-extract and SiV-extract. In particular, the MgSiV-extract significantly enhanced their differentiation than the SiV-extract. This was supported by the mineralization test's results, which showed a large amount of mineral deposit was observed in the cells cultured in the MgSiV-extract medium.
CONCLUSIONS: Providing the three kinds of ions was effective for up-regulating the cell's mineralization compared to providing silicate and calcium ions without magnesium ion.