In vitro biocompatibility assessment of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterials using normal human urothelial cells

The reconstruction of urinary tissues often employs various types of biomaterials, and adequate material biocompatibility is essential for the successful reconstruction of urinary tissues. In this study we utilized a primary normal human urothelial cell culture system to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of a number of naturally derived biomaterials [i.e., bladder submucosa, small intestinal submucosa, collagen, and alginate] and polymeric biomaterials [i.e., poly(glycolic acid), poly(L‐lactic acid), poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), and silicone] that are either experimentally or clinically used in urinary reconstructive surgery. To determine the cytotoxic and bioactive effects of these biomaterials, the cell viability, metabolic activity, apoptotic properties, and DNA‐synthesis activity were measured with four types of assays [Neutral Red, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, apoptotic activity, and tritiated thymidine incorporation assays] using extract and direct contact methods. Most of the biomaterials tested did not induce significant cytotoxic effects and exhibited normal metabolic function and cell growth in vitro. This normal primary human urothelial cell culture model is suitable for in vitro biocompatibility assessments and is able to provide information on the cell–biomaterial interactions and the ability of biomaterials to support bioactive cell functions. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 55: 33–39, 2001