Scaffolds in Skeletal Repair

Abstract

The need for tissue repair is one of the major concerns of reconstructive surgery and in aging and disease. Fracture healing is regulated by osteogenic cells and growth factors. The ability to enhance healing of bone defects and fractures can contribute to prevent the complications of long-term immobilization that are especially fatal in old age. Three-dimensional scaffold provides the necessary support for cells to proliferate and maintain their differentiated function and its architecture defines the shape of the newly formed bone. At the same time the scaffold is biodegraded providing space for the newly formed tissue. Skeletal tissue such as bone is organized into three-dimensional structure (3D) in the body. The 3D scaffold can be used as a temporary device containing the osteogenic cells. This could provide the initial conditions for bone repair. Biodegradable scaffold contains committed osteogenic stem cells and growth factors which serve as a graft substitute for bone and cartilage repair. Bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) are selected as the osteogenic subpopulations cultured in medium supplemented with osteogenic supplements. The selected osteogenic subpopulation is identified using osteogenic markers (Alizarin red, von Kossa staining, osteocalcin, osteonectin, osteopontin, immunolocalization, and mineral-hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition).