A collagen‐silica‐ based biocomposite for potential application in bone tissue engineering

ALVAREZ ECHAZÚ, MARÍA; RENOU, SANDRA; ALVAREZ, GISELA; DESIMONE, MARTIN; OLMEDO, DANIEL

JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Lugar: New York; Año: 2021

1549-3296

Bone is a hierarchical material that has inspired the design of biopolymer-derived biocomposites for tissue engineering purposes. The present study sought to synthesizeand perform the physicochemical characterization and biocompatibility of a collagensilica-based biocomposite for potential application in bone tissue engineering. Ultrastructure, biodegradability, swelling behavior, and biocompatibility properties wereanalyzed to gain insight into the advantages and limitations to the use of this biomaterial as a bone substitute. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a packedcollagen fibril matrix and silica particles in the biocomposite three-dimensionalstructure. As shown by analysis of in vitro swelling behavior and biodegradability, itwould seem that the material swelled soon after implantation and then suffered degradation. Biocompatibility properties were analyzed in vivo 14-days postimplantationusing an experimental model in Wistar rats. The biocomposite was placed inside thehematopoietic bone marrow compartment of both tibiae (n = 16). Newly formedwoven bone was observed in response to both materials. Unlike the pure-collagentissue interface, extensive areas of osseointegration were observed at thebiocomposite-tissue interface, which would indicate that silica particles stimulatednew bone formation. Agglomerates of finely particulate material with no inflammatory infiltrate or multinucleated giant cells were observed in the bone marrowimplanted with the biocomposite. The biocomposite showed good biocompatibilityproperties. Further studies are necessary to evaluate their biological behaviorover time.