Effect of a β‐TCP collagen composite bone substitute on healing of drilled bone voids in the distal femoral condyle of rabbits

Abstract

In this study, we tested the performance and biocompatibility of a composite of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to collagen as a bone void filler (Cerasorb(®) Ortho Foam) in a rabbit distal femoral condyle model. β-TCP is a completely resorbable synthetic calcium phosphate and the addition of a collagen matrix couples the osteoconductive effects of the two components. Furthermore, the malleable properties of the implant material during surgical applications for shape control will be enhanced. A critical size defect of 6 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth was drilled into each distal femur of the rabbits. One hole was filled with the test substance and the other was left empty for control. After 1, 3, and 6 months the animals were killed and the degree of bone healing analyzed. In total, 18 animals were investigated. When the β-TCP composite was used, histological, histomorphometric, and biomechanical evaluations revealed significantly better bone healing in terms of quantity and quality of the newly formed bone. Moreover, no signs of inflammation were observed in the animals and no allergic or foreign body reaction was noted. This suggests high biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the investigated material to a bone void in an immune responsive species.

Bone augmentation using a highly porous PLGA/β‐TCP scaffold containing fibroblast growth factor‐2

“…Tissue engineering requires that the proliferation, migration and differentiation of regenerative cells be stimulated to reform functional tissue following surgery ; therefore, three‐dimensional scaffolds with various regenerative properties are being extensively studied. Various synthesized bioceramic materials, such as calcium phosphate , hydroxyapatite , bioactive glass and composites in various forms have been used as filling materials and scaffolds for osseous defect repair. Of these, β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) has high biocompatibility and osteoconductivity in vivo and is more bio‐absorbable than hydroxyapatite or bioactive glass .…”

Design of biocomposite materials for bone tissue regeneration

“…1). The foam, which was visible in the 1 st and 3 rd months, could not be seen in the 6 th month suggesting complete resorption of the scaffold [29]. Of the several commercially available polymer-ceramic composites, only a very few are in nano range.…”

Use of tendon to produce decellularized sheets of mineralized collagen fibrils for bone tissue repair and regeneration

“…Both fillers exhibited biocompatibility and efficacy in bone healing using an established rabbit posterolateral fusion model (Pugely et al, ). In a study conducted by Zheng et al (), a β‐TCP/collagen composite filler (Cerasorb® Orhto Foam) was tested in a rabbit distal femoral condyle model and resulted in complete resorption and bone formation without toxic or immunologic effects. A bilayered biomimetic scaffold composed of an inner type I collagen layer and an outer layer of mineralized collagen (30%) and Mg doped HA (70%) was evaluated by Calabrese et al () through subcutaneous implantation in mice.…”