Osteoinductive ceramics as a synthetic alternative to autologous bone grafting

Abstract

Biomaterials can be endowed with biologically instructive properties by changing basic parameters such as elasticity and surface texture. However, translation from in vitro proof of concept to clinical application is largely missing. Porous calcium phosphate ceramics are used to treat small bone defects but in general do not induce stem cell differentiation, which is essential for regenerating large bone defects. Here, we prepared calcium phosphate ceramics with varying physicochemical and structural characteristics. Microporosity correlated to their propensity to stimulate osteogenic differentiation of stem cells in vitro and bone induction in vivo. Implantation in a large bone defect in sheep unequivocally demonstrated that osteoinductive ceramics are equally efficient in bone repair as autologous bone grafts. Our results provide proof of concept for the clinical application of “smart” biomaterials.

Autologously Generated Tissue-Engineered Bone Flaps for Reconstruction of Large Mandibular Defects in an Ovine Model

“…7) that resemble the histologic staining of beta-tricalcium phosphatebased materials seen in the literature. 25 These gray particles were absent in 100% AG-containing specimens (Fig. 8).…”

Combination of bone morphogenetic protein-2 plasmid DNA with chemokine CXCL12 creates an additive effect on bone formation onset and volume

“…The mechanism behind this increased bone formation has been described as a combination of enhanced mobilisation and homing of bone marrow-derived osteoprogenitor cells to the implant, leading to increased numbers of cells available for bone regeneration at ectopic bone implants (Higashino et al, 2011). Furthermore, to increase stability and provide a mineralised surface, on which bone formation can start, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) particles are included in the alginate hydrogel-based ectopic constructs in order to promote efficient bone formation (Fedorovich et al, 2011;Yuan et al, 2010).…”

An in vitro Study to Assess the Potential of a Unique Micro porous Algal Derived Cap Bone Void Filler in Comparison with Clinically-Used Bone Void Fillers

“…Several studies have reported the negative effects of microporosity with regard to fibrous ingrowth, reduced cell viability and restricted cell ingrowth [13,14]. Other more recent in vivo studies, however have clearly found that microporosity enhances bone regeneration by modulating osteogenic differentiation [15,16], enhancing mechanical properties with more efficient load transfer [17], and improving bioresorption [18].…”