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The effect of implantation on scaffoldless three-dimensional engineered bone constructs.
Michael J Smietana1, Fatima N Syed-Picard, Jinjin Ma
1Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2025 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Animal
|June 18, 2009
Summary
Engineered bone constructs (EBCs) using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) showed increased bone mineral content after implantation. This scaffoldless BMSC model shows potential for autologous bone transplants in humans.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Scaffoldless engineered bone constructs (EBCs) were previously developed in our lab.
- Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were utilized for their osteogenic differentiation potential.
- Cellular contraction formed cylindrical constructs prior to implantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the bone mineral content (BMC) of scaffoldless EBCs after intramuscular implantation.
- To compare the BMC of implanted EBCs with native rat femur bone.
- To assess the potential of BMSCs in generating functional bone tissue for transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Harvesting BMSCs from rat femur and inducing osteogenic differentiation.
- Constructing scaffoldless EBCs by cellular contraction within silicone tubing.
- Implanting EBCs in rat hind limbs and analyzing BMC at 1 and 2 months post-implantation.
- Utilizing Alizarine Red and osteopontin staining to confirm bone mineralization.
Main Results:
- Implanted EBCs demonstrated a significant increase in BMC compared to pre-implantation levels.
- EBCs in larger diameter tubing showed higher BMC than those in smaller tubing.
- Implanted EBCs exhibited extensive vascularization, crucial for tissue survival and integration.
- BMC in EBCs reached a notable percentage of adult bone BMC after 2 months.
Conclusions:
- Scaffoldless EBCs generated from BMSCs are a viable model for bone tissue engineering.
- The study supports the potential use of this BMSC-based model for creating autologous bone grafts.
- Further research can optimize this technique for clinical applications in human bone regeneration.
