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Development of Prevascularized Synthetic Block Graft for Maxillofacial Reconstruction
Borvornwut Buranawat1, Abeer Shaalan2, Devy F Garna2
1Center for Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry and Research Unit in Innovations in Periodontics, Oral Surgery and Advanced Technology in Implant Dentistry, Thammasat University, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|January 24, 2025
Summary
This study developed a novel porous calcium metaphosphate scaffold for cranio-maxillofacial bone reconstruction. Co-culturing endothelial cells and osteoblasts on the scaffold promoted vascularization, offering a promising synthetic bone graft alternative.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Large cranio-maxillofacial defects pose significant reconstruction challenges.
- Autogenous grafts have limitations, driving the need for synthetic alternatives.
- Tissue engineering seeks biomimetic materials for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a porous calcium metaphosphate (CMP) scaffold mimicking natural bone properties.
- To create a prevascularized synthetic bone graft for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction.
- To evaluate the scaffold's potential for enhancing vascularization in engineered bone.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of porous CMP scaffolds using sintered monocalcium phosphate and poly(vinyl alcohol).
- Characterization of scaffold pore size distribution (0-400 μm, peak at 80-100 μm).
- Co-culture of endothelial cells (ECs) with human alveolar osteoblasts (aHOBs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Co-culture of ECs and aHOBs induced tube-like structures and significant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release (10,455.6 pg/mL).
- This VEGF level approached the optimal dose for vascular formation.
- Co-culture with MSCs did not yield comparable vascularization results.
Conclusions:
- The developed CMP scaffold, when co-cultured with ECs and aHOBs, shows potential for creating prevascularized synthetic bone grafts.
- This approach may overcome vascularization limitations in large tissue-engineered constructs for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction.
- This synthetic graft offers a promising alternative to autogenous grafts, potentially improving maxillofacial reconstruction outcomes.
