Impact of Cross-Linking of Collagen Matrices on Tissue Regeneration in a Rabbit Calvarial Bone Defect.

Masako Fujioka-Kobayashi,Anton Sculean,Nikola Saulacic,Hiroki Katagiri,Benoit Schaller,Jean-Claude Imber,Elena Andrejova,Niklaus P Lang

doi:10.3390/ma14133740

Masako Fujioka-Kobayashi, Anton Sculean + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133740

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Abstract

The cross-linking of collagen matrices (Cl_CM) may provide volume-stable enhanced defect regeneration when compared to non-cross-linked matrices (Ncl_CM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the bone forming potential of collagen matrices (CMs) and the effects of cross-linking CMs in a rabbit calvaria defect model. (1) Empty controls (n = 6), (2) Ncl_CM (n = 8), and (3) Cl_CM (n = 8) were selected to be observed for the healing in 10 mm critical-sized calvarial bone defects. The potential for the bone as well as the connective tissue formation were evaluated by micro-CT and histomorphometry at three months post-surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of new bone volume in the defects between the groups. However, the Cl_CM induced significantly greater fibrous tissue regeneration (5.29 ± 1.57 mm2) when compared to the controls (3.51 ± 0.93 mm2) by histomorphometry. The remnants of collagen fibers with immune cells, including macrophages and giant cells, were occasionally observed in the Cl_CM group but not in the Ncl_CM group. In conclusion, the cross-linking of collagen did not influence the potential for bone formation. Nevertheless, Cl_CM might be advantageous for the maintenance of fibrous tissue volume without disturbing bone formation in the defects.

Highlights

Collagen matrices (CM) are routinely used as biomaterials to enhance wound healing and the regeneration of soft and hard tissue defects
(1) Empty controls (n = 6), (2) non-cross-linked CM (Ncl_CM) (n = 8), and (3) Cross-linked CM (Cl_CM) (n = 8) were selected to be observed for the healing in 10 mm critical-sized calvarial bone defects
Both consisted of collagen type I and III; one of them was non-cross-linked (Ncl_CM) and the other was chemically cross-linked (Cl_CM)

Summary

Introduction

Collagen matrices (CM) are routinely used as biomaterials to enhance wound healing and the regeneration of soft and hard tissue defects. It was reported that the glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen membranes demonstrated lower cell attachment and viability when compared to non-cross-linked collagen membranes in human gingival fibroblasts [9]. Slight immune cell responses were observed with the higher mRNA levels of M1 markers, including interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, in the macrophages cultured on Cl_CM [10]. These data are in line with a recent publication reporting an early, slight inflammation after the implantation of bovine cross-linked collagen hemostats in Balb/c mice [11]. Thoma et al compared Cl_CM and CTG for their use in alveolar ridge augmentation around dental implants in dogs, which showed similar outcomes of soft tissue volume augmentation at the implant sites with minimal inflammatory reactions between two procedures for up to two months [1]

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