Cobalt and chromium exposure affects osteoblast function and impairs the mineralization of prosthesis surfaces in vitro

Cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ions and nanoparticles equivalent to those released through tribo‐corrosion of prosthetic metal‐on‐metal (MOM) bearings and taper junctions are detrimental to osteoblast activity and function in vitro when examined as individual species. Here we examined the effects of Co²⁺:Cr³⁺ and Co²⁺:Cr⁶⁺ combinations on osteoblast‐like SaOS‐2 cellular activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization to better reflect clinical exposure conditions in vivo. We also assessed the effect of Co²⁺:Cr³⁺ combinations and Co:Cr nanoparticles on SaOS‐2 cell osteogenic responses on grit‐blasted, plasma‐sprayed titanium‐coated, and hydroxyapatite‐coated prosthesis surfaces. Cellular activity and ALP activity were reduced to a greater extent with combination treatments compared to individual ions. Co²⁺ and Cr³⁺ interacted additively and synergistically to reduce cellular activity and ALP activity, respectively, while the Co²⁺ with Cr⁶⁺ combination was dominated by the effect of Cr⁶⁺ alone. Mineralization by osteoblasts was greater on hydroxyapatite‐coated surfaces compared to grit‐blasted and plasma‐sprayed titanium‐coated surfaces. Treatments with Co²⁺:Cr³⁺ ions and Co:Cr nanoparticles reduced the percentage mineralization on all surfaces, with hydroxyapatite‐coated surfaces having the least reduction. In conclusion, our data suggests that previous studies investigating individual metal ions underestimate their potential clinical effects on osteoblast activity. Furthermore, the data suggests that hydroxyapatite‐coated surfaces may modulate osteoblast responses to metal debris.