A Collagen-Anorganic Bone Composite for Bone Repair: Part Ⅰ. In Vitro Characterization Studies

摘要

Bone is composed of an organic phase and an inorganic phase. The organic phase is mostly type Ⅰ collagen and the inorganic phase is apatite-based crystals that are aligned along the collagen fibers to provide mechanical properties for function. In trauma or disease resulting in the loss of bone beyond the critical size, the bone defect must be filled with a grafting material that can guide and conduct new bone formation. Anorganic bone, a deproteinated bone, has been used clinically as a bone conductive scaffold for decades. In order to preserve the osteoconductive property and yet improving clinical usage, we have engineered a porous composite of type Ⅰ collagen fibers and anorganic bone for bone repair applications. Due to its high liquid absorption capability, the composite should function well when in combination with autologous bone marrow to provide osteoconductive as well as osteoinductive and osteogenic properties. In part Ⅰ, we present results of in vitro characterization studies of the engineered composite. In vivo studies of repairing critical size defect of rabbit radial bone using this composite in combination with autologous bone marrow will be presented in the part Ⅱ of this series.