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In vitro analysis of biodegradable polymer blend/hydroxyapatite composites for bone tissue engineering
K G Marra1, J W Szem, P N Kumta
1The Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. kmarra@cs.cmu.edu
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|September 17, 1999
Summary
Biodegradable polymer/ceramic composites show promise as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. These novel scaffolds effectively support cell growth, indicating feasibility for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers like poly(caprolactone) and poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) are explored for bone tissue engineering.
- Incorporating hydroxyapatite enhances scaffold properties for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate polymer/ceramic composites as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
- To assess mechanical properties, degradation, and cellular compatibility of novel composite scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of porous composite discs from polymer blends and hydroxyapatite granules.
- In vitro mechanical testing and degradation studies.
- Cell seeding with rabbit bone marrow or stromal cells and incubation under physiological conditions.
- Characterization using scanning/transmission electron microscopy and histological analyses.
Main Results:
- Composite scaffolds demonstrated mechanical integrity and controlled degradation rates.
- Successful support of cell growth throughout the scaffold for up to 8 weeks.
- Microscopy and histology confirmed cell infiltration and proliferation within the scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Novel polymer/ceramic composites are feasible for bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These materials support cellular activity crucial for bone regeneration.
- Further development could lead to advanced bone graft substitutes.