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Updated: May 24, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Segmental bone regeneration using rhBMP-2-loaded collagen/chitosan microspheres composite scaffold in a rabbit model
Juan Hou1, Jing Wang, Lingyan Cao
1The State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
This study developed a composite scaffold using chitosan microspheres and collagen sponge for controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The scaffold effectively promoted bone regeneration in rabbit models, showing enhanced new bone formation and mechanical strength.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedics
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Segmental bone defects pose significant challenges in orthopaedics.
- Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) exhibits potent osteoinductive properties crucial for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel composite scaffold for controlled release of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).
- To assess the efficacy of the rhBMP-2-loaded scaffold in promoting bone defect repair in a rabbit model.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan microspheres (CMs) were prepared and combined with absorbable collagen sponge to create a composite scaffold.
- The scaffold was loaded with rhBMP-2 and implanted into 15 mm radius bone defects in rabbits.
- Bone repair was systematically evaluated using micro-computed tomography, X-ray, histological analysis, and biomechanical testing.
Main Results:
- The composite scaffold demonstrated spherical morphology with a polyporous surface and an ideal in vitro release profile.
- Micro-CT and X-ray imaging showed defect bridging at 4 weeks and complete healing with bone marrow recanalization at 12 weeks.
- The rhBMP-2-loaded scaffold significantly enhanced new bone formation, bone mineral content, and mechanical properties compared to control groups, with good biocompatibility and degradation.
Conclusions:
- The developed composite scaffold serves as a promising carrier for BMP-2 delivery.
- This rhBMP-2-loaded scaffold effectively promotes bone regeneration and offers a potential therapeutic strategy for segmental bone defects.
