Proliferation, Adhesion, and Morphology of Bone-Derived Stromal Cells on Xenogenic Collagen Matrices: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: Acellular xenogeneic matrices are becoming increasingly popular for periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue augmentation and recession coverage. This study aimed to investigate the behavior of bone-derived stromal cells cultured onto three commercially available collagen membranes (Fibro-Gide®, mucoderm®, and NovoMatrix®). METHODS: Cells were isolated from alveolar bone chips of four adult healthy patients and were separately seeded on the membranes. Cells cultured in the absence of biomaterials were used as a control. Number and viability of cells on and around the membranes were evaluated at different timepoints. Actin cytoskeleton change was visualized with phalloidin staining. Markers for adhesion (VCAM-1, FAK, and fibronectin) were assessed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The number and viability of cells grown on the membranes were significantly lower than those of the controls at D7. Moreover, cells grown on and around all three membranes showed changes in actin cytoskeleton reminiscent of stress fibers. Cells grown around NovoMatrix® also show reduced viability. The three membranes had no effect on the adhesion markers of cells growing around them. CONCLUSIONS: All three membranes resulted in a reduction in viability and increased cell stress of adherent cells compared to the control. A reduced viability was detected, in particular, in cells growing around NovoMatrix®. Morphologically, the cells showed signs of stress. This reaction indicates that the membranes may release substances that could impair the healing process in vivo, especially in the case of fast degradation.