Characterization of a nanocomposite scaffold and assessment of its osteogenic influence in a rabbit mandibular bone defect model

Abstract

ObjectiveBone is a complex tissue with a multifactorial healing process. Different scaffold materials have been tested for efficacy in bone regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL), alginate (Alg), and hydroxyapatite (HA) are materials with different properties that make them good candidates for scaffold fabrication for bone tissue engineering purposes. Composite scaffolds achieve better properties because they combine high mechanical strength of synthetic materials with biocompatibility and hydrophilicity of natural materials. This study was conducted to achieve in vitro and in vivo characterization of a composite nanofibrous material and test its osteogenic effect on mandibular bone defects. MethodsScaffolds were fabricated through electrospinning technique and coated through casting method. Characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Mechanical tests were done. Weight loss and water absorption percentages were calculated in vitro. For in vivo tests, male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups. Both groups had bilateral circular mandibular defects. The control group was left without further intervention while the experimental group had scaffolds implanted in the defects. After different time intervals, animals were euthanized, and histological evaluations with histomorphometric analyses were conducted. ResultsThe fabricated material showed proper biocompatibility and morphological, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The experimental group showed enhanced bone healing with more arranged and mature bone trabeculae. The area of new bone formation was significantly higher in the experimental than the control group. ConclusionsElectrospun nanocomposite [PCL/Alg/nano-HA (nHA)] represents a highly qualified material that can efficiently enhance bone regeneration.