ISSN 0004-881X

Segmental Bone Regeneration Using Gelatin/ Beta -Tricalcium Phosphate Composites Enabling Controlled Release of bFGF

by Kazuhiko Omata ^1*, Tomonori Matsuno ¹, Yoshiya Hashimoto ³, Kazunari Asano ¹, Yasuhiko Tabata ² and Tazuko Satoh ¹

1) Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
2) Department of Biomaterials, Field of Tissue Engineering, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
3) Department of Biomaterials, Osaka Dental University, Osaka, Japan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of biodegradable gelatin/€-tricalcium phosphate (Beta-TCP) composites as a cell scaffold and controlled-release carrier of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) suitable to induce bone regeneration (qualify-to what extent- a time frame). The composite of gelatin and Beta-TCP granules had an interconnected pore structure, and provided the sustained release of bFGF over 2 weeks. The gelatin/ Beta -TCP composites with or without incorporated bFGF were implanted into the segmental defects in the ulnas of New Zealand white rabbits. The composites incorporating bFGF promoted significantly greater bone formation (Qualify statement-24 weeks?) at the defect site as compared to the bFGF-free composites. The controlled release of biologically active bFGF from the composites may possibly be (any data to suggest this?) achieved through the biodegradation of the composites, resulting in the promotion of bone formation. We conclude that the biodegradable gelatin/Beta-TCP composite is a promising scaffold for bone regeneration that enables the controlled release of bFGF.

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