In Vitro Studies of Cells Grown on the Superconductor PrOxFeAs

TL;DR

This study investigates the biocompatibility of the arsenic-based superconductor PrOxFeAs by examining its effects on cell growth and viability in vitro, finding no adverse effects and suggesting potential biomedical applications.

Contribution

It provides the first in vitro analysis of cell interactions with the arsenic-based superconductor PrOxFeAs, highlighting its biocompatibility.

Findings

Cells adhered and spread on the superconductor surface

No cytotoxic effects observed during experiments

Supports potential biomedical use of PrOxFeAs

Abstract

The recent discovery of arsenic-based high temperature superconductors has reignited interest in the study of superconductor : biological interfaces. However, the new superconductor materials involve the chemistry of arsenic, their toxicity remain unclear [ Nature, 2008, 452(24):922]. In this study the possible adverse effects of this new family of superconductors on cells have been examined. Cell culture studies in conjunction with microscopy and viability assays were employed to examine the influence of arsenic-based superconductor PrOxFeAs (x=0.75) material in vitro. Imaging data revealed that cells were well adhered and spread on the surface of the superconductor. Furthermore, cytotoxicity studies showed that cells were unaffected during the time-course of the experiments, providing support for the biocompatibility aspects of PrOxFeAs-based superconductor material.