Biological Evaluation of Orthopedic Materials: An In Vitro Study Using Patient-Derived Human Samples

ConditionCytotoxicity
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-80
SponsorStefano Zaffagnini

About this trial

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee joint, and ACL injuries are highly prevalent, particularly among physically active and athletic individuals. Although ACL reconstruction is a well-established orthopedic procedure, significant challenges remain regarding biological integration between the graft and bone, which may negatively affect clinical outcomes.

In recent years, advanced biomaterials and regenerative medicine approaches have gained increasing attention as potential strategies to enhance osteointegration and promote more physiological tissue healing. Before clinical application, these materials must undergo rigorous in vitro biological evaluation in accordance with international standards, particularly ISO 10993-5 for cytotoxicity assessment.

The study will investigate cytotoxicity, cell viability, inflammatory responses, pro-fibrotic effects, and osteogenic potential using relevant human cell models. The regenerative effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a source of growth factors, will also be evaluated.

The biomaterials under investigation include a titanium alloy and polylactic acid (PLA), both widely used in orthopedic applications. The main objective is to demonstrate their biocompatibility, absence of cytotoxic, inflammatory, and pro-fibrotic effects, and their ability to support osteogenic processes and tissue integration. The findings will provide essential evidence for subsequent preclinical in vivo studies and future clinical translation.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

None

Disqualifiers

None

Trial population

Subjects will be recruited among patients admitted to the IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli and scheduled for total knee arthroplasty for the treatment of chondral defects and/or undergoing regenerative infiltrative therapies with BMC and PRP. For the study, biological material obtained during the surgical removal of femoral condyles, tibial plateaus and synovial membranes, as well as during implantation of the prosthetic components, will be used. For BMC and PRP, only waste material not required for the surgical procedures will be collected. The recovery of such material will be performed during routine clinical practice by the medical staff of the Orthopaedic and Trauma Clinic II.

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

50 Participants
are grouped into 3 trial groups
Group A: PTG
Group B: BMC
Group C: PRP

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Cellular health parameters

Cellular health parameters were assessed after 72 hours of exposure to the materials and compared with standardized control samples

Time frame
72 hours

Secondary outcomes

1

Pro-inflammatory cytokines

Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured after 6, 24 and 48 hours of exposure to the materials

Time frame
48 hours
2

ROS

Markers of oxidative stress were evaluated after 72 hours of exposure to the materials

Time frame
48 hours
3

Osteogenic potential

Osteogenic potential was assessed by evaluating the gene expression of specific osteogenic markers and the production of protein biomarkers (ALP and P1NP) at 7, 14, and 28 days

Time frame
28 days

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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Stefano Zaffagnini

Lead sponsor

Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli

Sponsor institution

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