The use of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for enhancement of bone ingrowth into pyrolized bovine bone

This pilot study aimed to investigate whether in vivo cultivation of bone in porous scaffolds can be enhanced by the use of growth factors. Four adult Göttingen minipigs received subperiosteal implantation of a block of pyrolized bovine bone on either side of the mandible. The blocks were covered with polylactic membrane. On one side, the implants were loaded with 240 micrograms of lyophilized basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). After 5 months, bone ingrowth was found throughout the whole block into the peripheral pore layers regardless of whether or not the scaffolds had been loaded with bFGF. Fluorescence labels likewise showed no significant differences in bone formation.