Abstract: This study investigated the potential application of a zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) ceramic foam culturing system to the production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Three sets of ZrO₂ ceramic foams with different pore densities of 10, 20, and 30 pores per linear inch (PPI) were prepared to support a 3D culturing system. After primary astrocytes were cultured in these systems, production yields of GDNF were evaluated. The biomaterial biocompatibility, cell proliferation and activation of cellular signaling pathways in GDNF synthesis and secretion in the culturing systems were also assessed and compared with a conventional culturing system. In this study, we found that the ZrO₂ ceramic foam culturing system was biocompatible, using which the GDNF yields were elevated and sustained by stimulated cell proliferation and activation of signaling pathways in astrocytes cultured in the system. In conclusion, the ZrO₂ ceramic foam is promising for the development of a GDNF mass production device for Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Key words: Zirconium oxide, Ceramic foam, Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), Parkinson’s disease

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