Novel Cellulose/Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration: in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract Cellulose scaffolds containing nano‐ or micro‐hydroxyapatite (nHA or μHA) were prepared by the regeneration of cellulose from its acetylated derivative and the mechanical immobilization of inorganic particles, followed by freeze‐drying. Microtomographic (μCT) evaluation revealed that both scaffolds presented a highly interconnected porous structure, with a mean pore diameter of 490±94 μm and 540±132 μm for cellulose/nHA and cellulose/μHA, respectively. In vitro and in vivo characterizations of the developed scaffolds were investigated. Commercially available bone allograft was used as a control material. For the in vitro characterization, osteoblastic cell cultures were used and characterized over time to evaluate cell adhesion, metabolic activity and functional output (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteoblastic gene expression). The results revealed greater spreading cell distribution alongside an increased number of filopodia, higher MTT values and significantly increased expression of osteoblastic genes (Runx‐2, ALP and BMP‐2) for cellulose/nHA, compared to cellulose/μHA and the control. The in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated in a rabbit calvarial defect model. The investigated scaffolds were implanted in circular rabbit calvaria defects. 4‐ and 12‐week bone biopsies were investigated using μCT and histological analysis. While both cellulose/HA scaffolds outperformed the assayed control, a significantly higher amount of newly f...
Source: Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - Category: Biotechnology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research