Biosilicate/PLGA osteogenic effects modulated by laser therapy: In vitro and in vivo studies

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biophysics

Background:

• Biosilicate®/PLGA (BS/PLGA) composites show potential for bone tissue engineering.
• Low laser level therapy (LLLT) is explored for its regenerative capabilities.
• Optimizing composite scaffolds with LLLT is crucial for enhanced bone consolidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic effects of BS/PLGA composites and LLLT on cell viability and bone consolidation.
• To evaluate the impact of LLLT on the degradation of BS/PLGA composites in vitro and in vivo.
• To assess the efficacy of LLLT-treated BS/PLGA composites in promoting bone regeneration in a rat tibial defect model.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of BS/PLGA composites using SEM and FTIR.
• In vitro assessment of fibroblast and osteoblast viability exposed to composite extracts with and without LLLT.
• In vivo study involving Wistar rats with tibial defects, divided into four groups (BS, BS+LLLT, BS/PLGA, BS/PLGA+LLLT), with LLLT applied three times weekly.

Main Results:

• SEM and FTIR confirmed successful integration and degradation of PLGA within BS.
• In vitro studies showed increased fibroblast viability with BS/PLGA and enhanced osteoblast viability with BS/PLGA+LLLT.
• In vivo results indicated improved material degradation, increased granulation tissue, and enhanced newly formed bone in the BS/PLGA+LLLT group.

Conclusions:

• BS/PLGA composites are suitable for bone tissue engineering applications.
• LLLT significantly enhances the osteogenic potential and regenerative capacity of BS/PLGA composites.
• The combination of BS/PLGA and LLLT offers a promising therapeutic strategy for accelerating bone defect repair.