Novel Scaffolds for Human Bone Tissue Engineering

Objectives: This project was designed to study the chemical composition and internal geometry of novel scaffolds and their application in maxillofacial bone tissue engineering. Methods: The new composite of polymers and inorganic elements (Ca, P, Si) was developed based on their in vitro osteogenic profile. Biomemetic design was applied to internal 3-D geometry of the scaffolds. In vivo study was carried with implantation of the scaffolds in a dog model. Osteoblasts expanded from bony chips of the autologous mandible were seeded onto scaffolds prior to implantation. In clinical application, patients of severe maxillofacial bone defects were included for bone tissue regeneration. Results: In vitro study showed that the chemical composition of scaffolds significantly upregulated the proliferation of human osteoblasts, expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase, and mineralization of osteoblasts culture. In vivo study indicated that the novel scaffolds completely absorbed within two months, resulted in a regeneration of compact bone. Patient application showed that osteoblaste-seeded scaffolds successfully induced bone regeneration. The early patient with dental implants in regenerated bone has been followed for over 15 months with full functions. Conclusion: This novel scaffolds with osteogenic chemistry and biomemetic 3-D design yielded a hope for successful clinical applications in human bone tissue engineering.