Bone regeneration by periosteal elevation using conventional orthodontic wire and uHA/PLLA mesh

Bone regeneration enhancement by ultra-violet (UV) treatment for uHA/PLLA absorbable mesh

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bone regeneration enhancement by ultra-violet (UV) treatment of an unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA)/poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) mesh in rabbitnasal bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult male Japanese white rabbits (12-16 weeks, 2.5-3.0 kg) were used in this study. After incising along the nasal bone, 6 × 6 × depth 1 mm two bone defects were made on both sides. In the UV group (n = 30), the defects were covered with uHA/PLLA mesh, treated by UV (wavelength 172 nm, tube wall illumination 13 mW/cm², period 8 min, intensity 6.26 J/cm²) and screwed. In the control group (n = 30), untreated uHA/PLLA was applied in a similar manner. The rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, and formalin-fixed specimens were frozen. The specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For immunohistochemical analysis, the specimens were treated with anti-alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Finally, bone ratio and ALP expression were evaluated microscopically.

RESULTS

The UV group had a significantly higher number of ALP stained cells than the control group after 1, 2, and 3 weeks (P < 0.05). The bone ratio was also significantly higher in the UV group than in the control group after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that bone regeneration can be enhanced by UV treatment using an uHA/PLLA mesh.

Low-fouling electrospun PLLA films modified with zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate)-catechol conjugates

In this work, we modified a hydrophobic electrospun poly (l-lactic) acid (PLLA) film with poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA)-catechol conjugates of different molecular weights to improve the biocompatibility of the film. These conjugates were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization. They consist of an ultra-low fouling pSBMA zwitterionic polymer with a surface-adhesive catechol moiety. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle and scanning electron microscopy experiments were performed to characterize films before and after modification with pSBMA-catechol conjugates. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent and fluorescently-labeled bovine serum albumin were used to study the interactions of proteins with these films. Results showed that low molecular weight zwitterionic pSBMA-catechol conjugates greatly discouraged protein adsorption as shown by use of single protein solutions on PLLA films when the modification was performed in ethanolic Tris-HCl solution. This work offers a convenient and effective method to modify electrospun PLLA films for biomedical applications.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

In this work, we report a convenient and effective method to modify electrospun PLLA films using pSBMA-catechol conjugates via "graft-to" for biomedical applications. After pSBMA modification, the PLLA surface becomes hydrophilic with low contact angle and protein adsorption. Results showed that lower molecular weight zwitterionic pSBMA-catechol conjugate led to lower contact angles and better nonfouling properties on PLLA films when the coating was performed in a solution containing ethanol.

Comparison between various densities of pore titanium meshes and e-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane regarding bone regeneration induced by low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in rabbit nasal bone

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare bone regenerative capability following use of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane against that when various densities of pore titanium meshes are used with and without low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male white rabbits were divided into 8 groups. In 4 groups, after incising along the nasal bone, four 3 × 8 mm bone defects were made in both sides and covered by an ePTFE membrane (group E: n = 15), a high density pore titanium mesh (group H: n = 15), a low density pore titanium mesh (group L: n = 15), and no mesh (control) (group C: n = 15). Furthermore, LIPUS was irradiated after surgery in 4 groups (groups EL, HL, LL and CL, in each n = 15). The rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2 and 8 weeks postoperative, and formalin-fixed specimens were embedded in acrylic resin. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. For immunohistochemical analysis, the specimens were treated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 antibody.

RESULTS

Group H had significantly higher values than groups L, E, and C regarding bone area ratio and labeling index of BMP-2 positive cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Group HL also had significantly higher values than the other groups regarding bone area ratio and labeling index of BMP-2 positive cells at 1, 2 and 8 weeks postoperative (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that high density pore titanium mesh could induce new bone regeneration more than low density pore titanium mesh and ePTFE membrane. New bone formation may increase following LIPUS application.

Nonvascular transport distraction osteogenesis in bone formation and regeneration. Is it an accidental phenomenon?

PURPOSE

To explore the osteogenic mechanism of nonvascular transport distraction osteogenesis (NTDO) by constructing mandibular defects in dogs.

METHODS

Sixty adult dogs were randomly divided into three groups with 20 dogs in each group. Canine mandibular defect models of NTDO were constructed. Animals were euthanized 1, 4 and 12 weeks after distraction, and the transport disc and surrounding tissue were collected and fixed. Histochemical staining using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and electron microscopic observations were used to examine bone regeneration.

RESULTS

Distraction bone regeneration was observed in the distraction gap and around the transport disc, and osseous connections had formed between new bone and the transport disc after one week. Osteoclasts gathered around the transport disc, and bone absorption pit formation could be seen. After 4 weeks of distraction, the new bone around the transport disc was close to maturity with thick sclerostin on the middle of the transport disc. After 12 weeks the new bone and the transport disc were fully integrated, and were difficult to distinguish by H&E staining and electron microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Canine mandibular defects were successfully repaired by NTDO resulting in ideal new bone formation and fully recovered mandibular physiological function. The surrounding tissues, including musculoskeletal tissues, the periosteum and other soft tissues and the nonvascular transport disc, together contribute to bone regeneration and neovascularization in NTDO.