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Decellularized Apple-Derived Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 23, 2024
Evaluation of dense polylactic acid/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Laura Yanoso-Scholl1, Justin A Jacobson, Gino Bradica
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|August 21, 2010
Summary
Dense PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds offer enhanced mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering. While growth factor delivery was suboptimal, these biomaterials show promise for localized therapeutic factor delivery and promoting new blood vessel formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Traditional bone scaffolds often lack mechanical strength for load-bearing applications.
- High porosity, while beneficial for cell infiltration, compromises structural integrity.
- Developing mechanically robust scaffolds is crucial for effective bone defect reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microstructural and mechanical properties of dense poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds.
- To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds as delivery vehicles for growth factors in vitro and in vivo.
- To assess the in vivo response of PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of dense PLA and PLA/beta-TCP (85:15) scaffolds using rapid volume expansion phase separation.
- Characterization of volumetric porosity, ultimate compressive strength, and torsional strength.
- In vitro and in vivo assessment of growth factor retention and release kinetics.
- In vivo implantation of growth factor-loaded scaffolds in the quadriceps muscle to evaluate ectopic mineralization and neovascularization.
Main Results:
- PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds exhibited significantly reduced porosity (halved) compared to pure PLA scaffolds.
- Embedding beta-TCP particles substantially increased the ultimate compressive and torsional strength of the scaffolds.
- Growth factor retention and release were suboptimal due to low surface porosity, showing burst release kinetics.
- In vivo, PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds loaded with BMP2 and VEGF did not induce ectopic mineralization but significantly increased neovascularization (1.8-fold).
Conclusions:
- Dense PLA/beta-TCP scaffolds demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties suitable for load-bearing bone tissue engineering.
- These scaffolds show potential for localized therapeutic factor delivery, despite challenges with retention and release kinetics.
- The observed increase in neovascularization suggests potential benefits for tissue regeneration in vivo.
