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Polymer-Ceramic Composite Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

Timothy Douglas 1Betül Temel 1Bodo Kurz 1Sureshan Sivananthan 2Jörg Wiltfang 1Patrick H. Warnke 1,3

1. Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel 24098, Germany
2. Epsom and St Helier University Hospital, University of London, London SM51AA, United Kingdom
3. Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Polymer-Ceramic Composite Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering


One popular approach in osteochondral tissue engineering for the treatment of osteochondral defects is the use of polymer-ceramic composite scaffolds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility for osteoblasts of a new composite scaffold type, Osteochondral Plugs (Biocomposites Ltd., U.K.). These consisted of Poly-L-lactid Acid (PLLA) fibres, Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) sprayed with Hydroxyapatite (HAP). Average pore size was approximately 200-250 µm. Two versions of Plugs were compared. Version 1 contained CaSO4, whereas Version 2 was CaSO4-free. Plugs were seeded with human osteoblasts. Cell morphology was assessed using scanning election microscopy (SEM). Cell vitality was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy after staining with fluorescin diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI). Standard tests for biocompatibility (WST, LDH, MTT) were performed. SEM investigation showed that osteoblasts adhered to the surface of both versions of Osteochondral Plugs and demonstrated good spreading. Fluorescence microscopy and standard tests for biocompatibility (WST, LDH, MTT) showed superior biocompatibility of Version 2 to Version 1. It can be concluded that the incorporation of CaSO4 into Plugs is disadvantageous for biocompatibility in vitro. Further tests are needed to assess biocompatibility in vivo.

 

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Related papers

Presentation: Poster at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008, Symposium L, by Timothy Douglas
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008

Submitted: 2008-05-30 18:11
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:48