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Injectable and strong nano-apatite scaffolds for cell/growth factor delivery and bone regeneration

Published

Author(s)

Carl G. Simon Jr., Hockin D. Xu, Michael Weir

Abstract

Objectives. Seven million people suffer bone fractures each year in the U.S., and musculoskeletal conditions cost $215 billion/year. The objectives of this study were to develop moldable/injectable, mechanically strong and in situ-hardening calcium phosphate cement (CPC) composite scaffolds for bone regeneration and delivery of osteogenic cells and growth factors. Methods. Tetracalcium phosphate [TTCP: Ca4(PO4)2O] and dicalcium phosphate (DCPA: CaHPO4) were used to fabricate self-setting calcium phosphate cement. Strong and macroporous scaffolds were developed via absorbable fibers, biopolymer chitosan, and mannitol porogen. Following established protocols, MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells (Riken, Hirosaka, Japan) were cultured on the specimens and inside the CPC composite paste carrier. Results. The scaffold strength was more than doubled via reinforcement (p < 0.05). Relationships and predictive models were established between matrix properties, fibers, porosity, and overall composite properties. The cement injectability was increased from about 60% to nearly 100%. Cell attachment and proliferation on the new composite matched those of biocompatible controls. Cells were able to infiltrate into the macropores and anchor to the bone mineral-like nano-apatite crystals. For cell delivery, alginate hydrogel beads protected cells during cement mixing and setting, yielding cell viability measured via the Wst-1 assay that matched the control without CPC (p > 0.1). For growth factor delivery, CPC powder:liquid ratio and chitosan content provided the means to tailor the rate of protein release from CPC carrier. Significance. New CPC scaffolds were developed that were strong, tough, macroporous and osteoconductive. They showed promise for injection in minimally invasive surgeries, and in delivering osteogenic cells and osteoinductive growth factors to promote bone regeneration. Potential applications include various dental, craniofacial, and orthopedic reconstructions.
Citation
Dental Materials
Volume
24

Keywords

Calcium phosphate cement Nano-apatite Macroporous scaffolds Stress-bearing Osteoblast cell delivery Growth factor Calcium phosphate cement, Nano-apatite, Macroporous scaffolds, Stress-bearing, Osteoblast cell delivery, Growth factor, Bone tissue engineering

Citation

Simon, C. , Xu, H. and Weir, M. (2008), Injectable and strong nano-apatite scaffolds for cell/growth factor delivery and bone regeneration, Dental Materials, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=854138 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created July 20, 2008, Updated February 19, 2017