Enhancement of osteogenesis using a novel porous hydroxyapatite scaffold in vivo and vitro

The repair of large maxillofacial bony defects using regular scaffolds is restricted by the osteogenic effect. It was postulated that a novel porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with a 25-30 mu m groove structure (HAG) may counter this limitation. In this study we evaluated the biocompatibility of HAG scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo in beagle dogs by investigating the enhancement of scaffolds bioactivity and osteogenesis. Compared with a regular HA scaffolds, the HAG scaffolds significantly promoted human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hPMSC) osteogenic differentiation and the maturation of osteoblasts. This is achieved by increasing protein adsorption, as well as promoting directed growth and expression of osteogenic genes in vitro. The compressive strength of HAG scaffolds was significantly greater than HA in both dorsal muscle and the mandibular distraction area after in vivo implantation, with hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrating new bone formation and vasculogenesis. Immunochemical staining and micro-CT scanning demonstrated increased expression of osteogenic factors (BMP2, OCN and COL-1) and bone density in the HAG scaffolds compared with HA. Based on the above results, we conclude that HAG scaffolds that have a groove structure induce greater osteogenesis and possess improved ostoegenesis which could be utilized in the clinical treatment