In vitro biocompatibility assessment of Co-Cr-Mo dental cast alloy

Abstract

Metallic materials, such as Co-Cr-Mo alloys, are exposed to aggressive conditions in the oral cavity which represents ideal environment for metallic ion release and biodegradation. The released metallic ions from dental materials can cause local and/or systemic adverse effects in the human body. Therefore, the dental materials are required to possess appropriate mechanical, physical, chemical and biological properties. The biocompatibility of metallic materials is very important for dental applications. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine metallic ion release and cytotoxicity of Co-30Cr-5Mo cast alloy as the initial phase of biocompatibility evaluation. Determination of human (MRC-5) and animal (L929) fibroblast cells viability was conducted using three in vitro test methods: colorimetric methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) test, dye exclusion test (DET) and agar diffusion test (ADT). Furthermore, the cells morphology and growth were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results indicated that Co-30Cr-5Mo alloy did not release harmful elements in high concentrations that could cause detrimental effects on human and animal fibroblasts under the given experimental conditions. Moreover, the fibroblast cells showed good adhesion on the Co-30Cr-5Mo alloy surface. Therefore, it can be concluded that Co-30Cr-5Mo alloy is biocompatible material which can be safely used in dentistry.