No abstract

Bioactive 58S sol-gel derived foams were tested for their ability to promote the growth and proliferation of murine lung epithelial cells. Foams were modified with an amine or mercaptan functional group and/or coated with laminin. Routine histologic staining with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) determined qualitatively that cells do grow into foams and their proliferation was evaluated quantitatively with the WST-1 assay. 58S foams promote the growth of MLE-12 cells with the amine modified, laminin coated foam being the most effective. SEM confirmed the above observations and showed that laminin encouraged the growth, attachment and migration of cells into foams and the type of surface modification affects the pattern of growth of cells on the foams. These results provide a foundation for use of biomaterials as bioactive scaffolds promoting differentiation of stem cells into mature pneumocytes.