Effect of metal couples on cytotoxicity evaluation

Abstract

We examined the effect on cell viability of extracts obtained by metal couples of titanium, Ti6Al4V alloy, and 316L stainless steel. Extraction was carried out by freely moving cylindrical specimens of 6mm or 8mm diameter on disk-shaped specimens at 240rpm and 260rpm for 14days. L-929 cells were treated with extracts and filtrates, and cell viability was then evaluated by neutral red assay after 48 hours. The results of extraction at 240rpm were the same as those of the controls. Extraction at 260rpm, on the other hand, produced a marked difference in cell viability depending on the metal couples and diameter of cylindrical specimens. Low cell viability was found in metal couples of the disk-shaped Ti6Al4V alloy with cylindrical specimens. There was no difference in cell viability whether extracts or filtrates were used. These results indicate that dynamic extraction may be useful in evaluating the cytotoxicity of metal couples that mimic stress bearing restorations.