Marine mollusk shells as natural bone substitutes: Surface characterization and osteogenic activities

Bone substitutes from various sources have been used to facilitate bone regeneration. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the effects of marine mollusk shells and their bioactivities on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The results showed that the surfaces of A. granulosa and C. belcheri shells had higher surface roughness than that of P. viridis. Different surface morphologies but similar elements were found on the surfaces of all shell groups, and additional elements, particularly silicon, were found on the surface of A. granulosa. After growing osteoblasts on the shells for 4–7 days, C. belcheri, P. viridis, and A. granulosa shells had significantly more cells than P. undulata shells. Similar osteoblast differentiation was observed in all shell groups after 7–14 days. All shell groups, particularly C. belcheri and P. viridis, favored osteoclast formation. This study suggests the potential use of mollusk shells to develop alternative biocompatible bone-substitute materials.