Imaging studies of the use of nanocomposite fibrous matrices for bone tissue engineering

S. FELDMAN; M. STUR; V. CHULLO; G.A. ABRAHAM; L.R. MISSANA; F.M. ROJAS VENEGAS; G. RIVERO; M. DIAZ; D.A. GATTI

Buenos Aires

Workshop; II Congreso Argentino de Osteología (AAOMM).; 2018

AAOMM

Electrospinning technology allows fibrous matrices production loaded with nanoparticles. Electrospun scaffolds based on poly(caprolactone) (PCL) showed biocompatibility and bioreabsorbability. Bioceramic (nanohydroxyapatite, nHAp) incorporation is inspired in hybrid bone nature. Post-implant processes of PCL-nHAp scaffolds were assessed using a femoral bone model in rabbits. Nanocomposite scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning. PCL solutions in chloroform/methanol (15 % w/v) with nHAp (20% w/w respect to PCL) were electrospun and 5.1 mm diameter discs were cut. Morphology was observed by SEM and in vitro bioactivity was assessed in SBF. We used 3 groups of female rabbits 4 months (n = 6): Controls (C), L (with 5.1 mm on the medial side femoral bone injury, between the femur distal epiphysis and the diaphysis), and LI (L+ PCL-nHAp implants). Femurs were studied by multi-cut computed tomography, 90 days post-implant, in Activion16Toshiba with isotropic acquisition, axial, sagittal and coronal reconstructions. Lesions diameters of L and LI were compared with U of Mann Whitney. SEM showed bead-free fibers (1.32±0.81 ìm diameter) and mat thickness of 0.31±0.11 ìm. Membrane stacking allowed the formation of 3 mm 3D scaffold. SBF immersion showed the ability to form new surface apatite crystals. In all LI samples, a statistically significant decrease in lesion area was observed (p=0.0022), with calcified neo-cortical bone at the site of the lesion replacing the scaffold. In 4 of the 6 LI the repair of the cortical structure was total. PCL-nHAp was synthesized and characterized, which would have promoted a repair of the cortical structure of the previously injured bone.