Abstract
Autogenous cancellous bone graft is the current gold standard of treatment for the management of bone defects since it possesses the properties of osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteogenesis. Xenografts and synthetic grafts have been widely reported as available and low-cost alternatives, which retain good osteoconductive and mechanical properties. Given the rich biodiversity of ocean organisms, marine sources are of particular interest in the search for alternative bone grafts with enhanced functionalities. The purpose of this paper is to assess the biocompatibility of a marine-derived bone graft obtained from shark tooth, which is an environmentally sustainable and abundant raw material from fishing. This research presents the findings of a preclinical trial—following UNE-EN ISO 10993—that induced a critical-sized bone defect in a rabbit model and compared the results with a commercial bovine-derived bone graft. Evaluation by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis 12 weeks after implantation revealed good osseointegration, with no signs of inflammatory foreign body reactions, fibrosis, or necrosis in any of the cases. The shark tooth-derived bone graft yielded significantly higher new bone mineral density values (54 ± 6%) than the control (27 ± 8%). Moreover, the percentage of intersection values were much higher (86 ± 8%) than the bovine-derived bone graft (30 ± 1%) used as control. The area of occupancy by bone tissue in the test material (38 ± 5%) also gave higher values than the control (30 ± 6%). The role of physicochemical properties, biphasic structure, and composition on the stimulation of bone regeneration is also discussed.
Highlights
We present the results of a preclinical trial of this marine-origin bone graft obtained from shark teeth, by means of a critical-sized bone defect test in an animal model
The marine-origin bone graft under evaluation was obtained from shark teeth of the Prionace glauca and Isurus oxyrinchus species provided by COPEMAR S.A. (Vigo, Spain)
(Fourier-transform) FT-Raman analysis was carried out to evaluate the composition of the calcium phosphate in terms of functional groups (Figure 1A)
Summary
Bone grafts offer a mechanical support and a biological function in the treatment of several pathologies, among these high-grade open fractures with bone loss, high-energy trauma, non-union or delayed union, resection of bone tumors, infections requiring extensive bone debridement, and secondary bone defects [1]. Opinions diverge as to the most appropriate bone replacement treatment, when considered from both a clinical and an economic perspective. There is a paucity of clinical evidence and controlled studies comparing different techniques to inform strategies and treatments for critical-sized bone defects. Current therapeutic approaches include distraction osteogenesis, first reported by Ilizarov in the
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