Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20250043
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Fibroblast cellular responses to calcium hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials

Respostas celulares de fibroblastos a biomateriais à base de hidroxiapatita de cálcio

Roger KIRSCHNER; Henrique Ballassini ABDALLA; Juliana Trindade CLEMENTE-NAPIMOGA; Marcelo Henrique NAPIMOGA

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.20250043 Rev. odontol. UNESP, vol.55, e20250043, 2026
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Abstract

Introduction: Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa) is widely used in aesthetic procedures as a collagen biostimulator.

Objective: This study evaluated how different concentrations of CaHA (0.5% to 2.5%) in three commercial formulations (Stiim®, Rennova®, and Radiesse®) influence cell viability, human fibroblast proliferation, and gene expression of extracellular matrix markers, including type I and III collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin.

Material and method: CaHa were evaluated on cell viability, proliferation, and gene expression of extracellular matrix markers in human fibroblasts (n=3, each time-point). Cell viability was assessed using MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays, proliferation by cell counting, and gene expression of type I and III collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin by RT-PCR.

Result: Stiim® showed a significant increase in viability at lower concentrations (1% and 2%) after 24 h and at 0.5% and 1% after 72 h, while the 2.5% concentration drastically reduced viability. Radiesse® demonstrated greater stability, with early proliferation stimulation and sustained induction of both type I and III collagen. Rennova® exhibited a later and more variable response, with reduced proliferation at intermediate concentrations. Osteocalcin and osteopontin expression varied between formulations, with Radiesse® showing a stronger stimulatory effect. The results indicate that HA effects on fibroblasts are formulation- and concentration-dependent, directly influencing cellular behavior and biostimulatory potential.

Conclusion: These gene expression findings suggest that CaHA may promote pathways associated with dermal neocollagenesis.

Keywords

Calcium hydroxyapatite; aesthetic; dermal cosmetic; dermatology; orofacial harmonization; collagen; fibroblastos; biomaterials; STIIM; Diamond; Radiesse

Resumo

Introdução: A hidroxiapatita de cálcio (CaHa) é amplamente utilizada em procedimentos estéticos como bioestimulador de colágeno.

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou como diferentes concentrações de CaHA (0,5% a 2,5%) em três formulações comerciais (Stiim®, Rennova® e Radiesse®) influenciam a viabilidade celular, a proliferação de fibroblastos humanos e a expressão gênica de marcadores da matriz extracelular, incluindo colágeno tipo I e III, osteocalcina e osteopontina.

Material e método: As CaHa foram avaliadas quanto à viabilidade celular, proliferação e expressão gênica de marcadores de matriz extracelular em fibroblastos humanos (n=3, por tempo avaliado). A viabilidade celular foi analisada pelos ensaios de MTT e exclusão por azul de tripano, a proliferação por contagem celular e a expressão gênica de colágeno tipo I e III, osteocalcina e osteopontina por RT-PCR.

Resultado: Stiim® apresentou aumento significativo da viabilidade em baixas concentrações (1% e 2%) após 24 h e em 0,5% e 1% após 72 h, enquanto a concentração de 2,5% reduziu drasticamente a viabilidade. Radiesse® demonstrou maior estabilidade, com estímulo precoce de proliferação e indução sustentada de colágeno tipo I e III. Rennova® exibiu resposta mais tardia e variável, com redução da proliferação em concentrações intermediárias. A expressão de osteocalcina e osteopontina variou entre as formulações, com Radiesse® apresentando efeito estimulatório mais intenso. Os resultados indicam que os efeitos da CaHa sobre fibroblastos dependem da formulação e da concentração, influenciando diretamente o comportamento celular e o potencial bioestimulador.

Conclusão: Esses achados, baseados em expressão genica, sugerem que a CaHA pode estimular a neocolagênese.

Palavras-chave

Hidroxiapatita de cálcio; estética; cosmético dérmico; dermatologia; harmonização orofacial; colágeno; fibroblastos; biomateriais; STIIM; Diamond; Radiesse

References

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Submitted date:
11/11/2025

Accepted date:
03/07/2026

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