A Biomimetic Multifunctional Scaffold for Infectious Vertical Bone Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Treating infectious vertical bone defects is clinically challenging due to limitations in controlling bacterial infection, hindering bone regeneration.
• Existing treatments lack materials with combined osteogenic and antibacterial capabilities, necessitating novel solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a multifunctional scaffold (IMC/AgNWs) mimicking natural bone nanostructures for infectious bone defect treatment.
• To evaluate the antibacterial and osteogenic potential of the IMC/AgNWs scaffold in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• A hierarchical, intrafibrillar mineralized collagen matrix was incorporated with silver nanowires (AgNWs) at 0.5 mg/mL.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans.
• Osteoinductive properties were assessed via co-culture with periodontal ligament stem cells.
• Efficacy was evaluated in rat mandibular and beagle dog peri-implantitis models.

Main Results:

• IMC/AgNWs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
• The scaffold exhibited excellent osteoinductive activity under both non-inflammatory and inflammatory conditions.
• Near-complete healing of rat mandibular infected periodontal defects was achieved via BMP/Smad signaling.
• Enhanced vertical bone height and osseointegration were observed in beagle dogs with peri-implantitis.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized IMC/AgNWs scaffold effectively inhibits bacterial activity and promotes infectious bone augmentation.
• This material shows significant potential for clinical translation in treating infectious vertical bone defects and enhancing osseointegration.