Biological response to wear and corrosion products from spinal implant materials

This research project is part of the MSCA ITN NU-SPINE, whose aim is to deliver novel material compositions to improve its wear and corrosion properties to overcome the long-term worries in spinal implants.

However, ions and particles will always be released to some extent from the material and the presence of these particles must be considered when assessing the safety of the implant. In the BMS group, we study the interaction of the body with the wear debris and corrosion particles of spinal implants to acquire an understanding of their biological effect.

The first response to these particles comes from the cells responsible for inflammatory reactions of the periprosthetic tissues. For this reason, we conduct studies to determine the response of the inflammatory cells (e.g. fibroblast and macrophages) to corrosion products of novel materials and alloys intended to be used in spinal implants.

(left) Fibroblast cells (L929) and (right) microglia cells (C8B4), taken under an optical microscope. The cells are kept in culture for evaluating the in vitro cell response to the spinal implant material.

Finally, considering the proximity of the spinal cord and nerves to the spinal implants, this project aims to develop an improved 3D in vitro model of the central nervous system in collaboration with other departments at Uppsala University. This would allow a better evaluation of the neural tissue response to the ions and particles released from the implants using glial cells as microglia.

If you have questions about the project please contact: Estefania Echeverri Correa