Medicina (Mar 2024)

In Vitro Assessment of the Neuro-Compatibility of Fe-20Mn as a Potential Bioresorbable Material for Craniofacial Surgery

  • Sara Ajami,
  • Charlotte Kraaneveld,
  • Maarten Koudstaal,
  • David Dunaway,
  • Noor Ul Owase Jeelani,
  • Silvia Schievano,
  • Chiara Bregoli,
  • Jacopo Fiocchi,
  • Carlo Alberto Biffi,
  • Ausonio Tuissi,
  • Alessandro Borghi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030440
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 3
p. 440

Abstract

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Background and Objectives: Spring-assisted surgery is a popular option for the treatment of non-syndromic craniosynostosis. The main drawback of this procedure is the need for a second surgery for spring removal, which could be avoided if a distractor material could be metabolised over time. Iron–Manganese alloys (FeMn) have a good trade-off between degradation rate and strength; however, their biocompatibility is still debated. Materials and Methods: In this study, the neuro-compatibility of Fe-20Mn (wt.%) was assessed using standard assays. PC-12 cells were exposed to Fe-20Mn (wt.%) and stainless steel via indirect contact. To examine the cytotoxicity, a Cell Tox Green assay was carried out after 1, 2, and 3 days of incubation. Following differentiation, a neurite morphological examination after 1 and 7 days of incubation time was carried out. The degradation response in modified Hank’s solution at 1, 3, and 7 days was investigated, too. Results: The cytotoxicity assay showed a higher toxicity of Fe-20Mn than stainless steel at earlier time points; however, at the latest time point, no differences were found. Neurite morphology was similar for cells exposed to Fe-20Mn and stainless steel. Conclusions: In conclusion, the Fe-20Mn alloy shows promising neuro-compatibility. Future studies will focus on in vivo studies to confirm the cellular response to Fe-20Mn.

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