Enhance osteogenesis of BCP bioceramics by autocrine induced membrane to bone regeneration

This study investigates a novel strategy combining biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramics with autocrine induced membranes (IMs) to enhance osteogenesis and vascularization for bone regeneration. Highly bioactive, porous BCP scaffolds (porosity: 68.1 ± 1.7%; pore size: 526-1000 µm) were combined with autocrine membranes in a rat femoral defect model. The optimal membrane formation time was determined by ELISA analysis of osteogenic and angiogenic factors (BMP-2, VEGF, ANG-II, PEG-2, FGF-2). Material characterization included SEM, XRD, and mercury intrusion porosimetry.In vivobone regeneration was evaluated via micro-CT, histological analysis, and osteogenic marker expression (Alp, Bmp2, Col-1, Ocn, Opn, Runx2). The 4-week autocrine membrane exhibited superior osteogenic and angiogenic activity. Combined with BCP scaffolds, it accelerated bone regeneration, with micro-CT and histology showing significant new bone formation by 3 weeks and near-complete defect repair by 6 weeks. Osteogenic gene/protein expression (Alp, Bmp2, Col-1, Ocn, Opn, Runx2) was consistently higher in the BCP + IM group (BCP bioceramics with autocrine IMs) when compared to that of the BCP group and the control group, corroborating histological outcomes. Autocrine IMs significantly enhance the osteogenic efficacy of BCP bioceramics, demonstrating promise for weight-bearing bone defect repair.