Unveiling the role of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite/silver composite in osteoblast-like cell mineralization: An exploration through their viscoelastic properties

• Published in: Bone (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2024-07, Vol.184, p.117090-117090, Article 117090
• Main Authors: García-Ortiz, David, Martínez-Sanmiguel, Juan José, Zárate Triviño, Diana G., Rodríguez-Padilla, Cristina, Salceda-Delgado, Guillermo, Menchaca, Jorge Luis, Bedolla, Marco A., Rodríguez-Nieto, Maricela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydroxyapatite particles; Hydroxyapatite/silver particles; MG-63 cells; Mineralization process; Viscoelasticity
• ISSN: 8756-3282; 1873-2763
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2024.117090

Mechanical properties are becoming fundamental for advancing the comprehension of cellular processes. This study addresses the relationship between viscoelastic properties and the cellular mineralization process. Osteoblast-like cells treated with an osteogenic medium were employed for this purpose. Additionally, the study explores the impact of hydroxyapatite (HA) and hydroxyapatite/silver (HA/Ag) composite on this process. AFM relaxation experiments were conducted to extract viscoelastic parameters using the Fractional Zener (FZ) and Fractional Kelvin (FK) models. Our findings revealed that the main phases of mineralization are associated with alterations in the viscoelastic properties of osteoblast-like cells. Furthermore, HA and HA/Ag treatments significantly influenced changes in the viscoelastic properties of these cells. In particular, the HA/Ag treatment demonstrated a marked enhancement in cell fluidity, suggesting a possible role of silver in accelerating the mineralization process. Moreover, the study underscores the independence observed between fluidity and stiffness, indicating that modifications in one parameter may not necessarily correspond to changes in the other. These findings shed light on the factors involved in the cellular mineralization process and emphasize the importance of using viscoelastic properties to discern the impact of treatments on cells. [Display omitted] •The first study analyzing viscoelastic properties in osteoblast cell mineralization•The findings demonstrate that HA/Ag treatment accelerates the mineralization process•Changes in viscoelastic properties are correlated to mineralization process phases•The importance of considering viscoelastic properties in cellular process researches