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Customized hybrid biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration
L Ciocca1, I G Lesci2, O Mezini3
1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Section of Prosthodontics, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40125, Bologna, Italy.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|December 29, 2015
Summary
This study developed advanced 3D bone scaffolds using hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone, demonstrating successful integration and bone regeneration in sheep mandibles. These biomaterials show promise for effective bone tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bone defects pose significant challenges in regenerative medicine.
- Current bone graft substitutes have limitations in promoting complete regeneration.
- Biologically inspired scaffolds offer a promising avenue for bone repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel 3D scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.
- To mimic natural bone mineralization processes for enhanced biocompatibility.
- To assess the in vivo performance of custom-designed scaffolds in a sheep mandibular model.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of nanometric hydroxyapatite (HA) via precipitation and biomimetic mineralization within collagen fibrils.
- Fabrication of 3D polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with controlled porosity and interconnectedness.
- Characterization using chemico-physical analysis, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Surgical implantation of custom scaffolds in sheep mandibles using CAD-CAM guided surgical guides.
- Histological and micro-CT analysis of explanted scaffolds after three months of healing.
Main Results:
- Scaffolds exhibited high similarity to natural bone in composition and morphology.
- Micro-CT revealed high porosity (53.53%) and interconnectedness (97.86%).
- In vivo evaluation showed massive cell seeding, infiltration, and neoangiogenesis within the scaffold.
- Excellent integration with host bone and support for implant primary stability were observed.
- Scaffold degradation pattern was suitable for physiological processes.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D scaffolds effectively support cell infiltration, vascularization, and bone regeneration.
- Biomimetic mineralization and PCL-based fabrication create a promising material for bone tissue engineering.
- CAD-CAM technology enables precise customization and surgical guidance for scaffold implantation.
- These findings highlight the potential of these scaffolds for clinical applications in treating bone defects.
