Augmentation of bone defect healing using a new biocomposite scaffold: An in vivo study in sheep

Abstract

a b s t r a c tPrevious studies support resorbable biocomposites made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and b-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) produced by supercritical gas foaming as a suitable scaffold for tissue engineering. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate the biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of such a scaffold in a large animal cancellous bone model. The biocomposite (PLA/TCP) was compared with a currently used b-TCP bone substitute (ChronOS™, Dr. Robert Mathys Foundation), representing a positive control, and empty defects, representing a negative control. Ten defects were created in sheep cancellous bone, three in the distal femur and two in the proximal tibia of each hind limb, with diameters of 5 mm and depths of 15 mm. New bone in-growth (osteoconductivity) and biocompatibility were evaluated using microcomputed tomography and histology at 2, 4 and 12 months after surgery. The in vivo study was validated by the positive control (good bone formation with ChronOS™) and the negative control (no healing with the empty defect). A major finding of this study was incorporation of the biocomposite in bone after 12 months. Bone in-growth was observed in the biocomposite scaffold, including its central part. Despite initial fibrous tissue formation observed at 2 and 4 months, but not at 12 months, this initial fibrous tissue does not preclude long-term application of the biocomposite, as demonstrated by its osteointegration after 12 months, as well as the absence of chronic or long-term inflammation at this time point.

Biodegradable polylactide/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite foam scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

“…X-ray micro-computed tomography (lCT) was also used for systematic morphological characterization of selected foams [12,[43][44][45][46]. The measurements were performed using a Skyscan 1076 micro-CT scanner (Skyscan).…”

Degradation and osteogenic potential of a novel poly(lactic acid)/nano-sized β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold

“…makes the composite material brittle and thus, less resistant to deformation. 29 Our results showed that PLA/30 nβ-TCP and PLA/10 nβ-TCP scaffolds exhibited better mechanical properties than PLA/50 nβ-TCP scaffolds.…”

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable microcapsules for the controlled delivery of calcium hydroxide

“…The biodegradation of PLA in vivo and in vitro have been verified in various studies. [19][20][21] EC is a cellulose-based material and can be degraded by enzymes and bacteria. [22][23][24] EC has been used widely as a coating material for drugs.…”