In vivo analysis of Porous Bioactive Silicon Carbide Scaffold for Craniofacial Bone Augmentation

Abstract

Bone augmentation is a vital area of research because of its high clinical demand and the reported complications associated with the available biomaterials. Purpose: The study assess the role of decellurized skeletal muscle (DSM) when combined with synthesized porous bioactive silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic and evaluated its ability to augment calvarious bone at rat`s model. Material& Methods: Eighteen rats were divided into two groups; Group 1 (n=9), SiC discs (10 mm x 0.2 mm) treated with 20% NaOH were placed as an onlay grafts on calvarial bone. Meanwhile, in Group 2 (n=9), SiC discs (10 mm x 0.2 mm)were covered with DSM. After 12 weeks, the grafted tissues were harvested and examined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), mechanical testing, and histological analysis. Results: CBCT showed more radio-opacity for the remnant of SiC compared to native bone was noted in group2 at surface area and volume o at 2.48mm2+/- (Sd=1.6) and 14.9+/-(Sd=7.8 )mm3 respectively. The estimated quantitative average surface area of the radio-opacity for group 1 and volume were 2.55 mm2+/- (Sd=3.7) and 11.25+/-(Sd=8.9), respectively. Mechanically, comparable values of the flexural strength and statistically significant higher modulus of elasticity of calvaria in Group 1 compared to Group 2 and control (P < 0.001). Histologically, group2 region of woven bone was seen close to the lamellar bone (native bone), and there was immature bone present near the implanted SiC. Conclusion: The tested construct made of SiC/DSM has potential to osteointegrate into native bone, making it a suitable material for bone augmentation.