Search

In view of the limitations of bone reconstruction surgeries using autologous grafts as a gold standard, tissue engineering is emerging as an alternative, which permits the fabrication and improvement of scaffolds to stimulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis, processes that are essential for bone repair. Polymers are used to mimic the extracellular bone matrix and support cell growth. In addition, bone neoformation can be induced by external factors such as laser irradiation, which stimulates bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the regeneration of bone defects using collagen and elastin membranes derived from intestinal serosa and bovine auricular cartilage combined with low-level laser application. Thirty-six Wistar rats were operated to create a 3-mm defect in the distal metaphysis of the left femur and divided into six groups: G1 (control, no treatment); G2 (laser); G3 (elastin graft), G4 (elastin+laser); G5 (collagen graft); G6 (collagen+laser). The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after surgery and the femurs were removed for analysis of bone repair. Macroscopic and radiological results showed the absence of an infectious process in the surgical area. This was confirmed by histological analysis, which revealed no inflammatory infiltrate. Histomorphometry showed that the formation of new bone started from the margins of the bone defect and its volume was greater in elastin+laser and collagen+laser. We conclude that newly formed bone in the graft area was higher in the groups that received the biomaterials and laser. The collagen and elastin matrices showed biocompatibility.

Tissue engineering combine biomaterials, cells and biologically active molecules having as a goal create functional tissues; many of the compositions are blends of a polymeric matrix with ceramic fillers, however, reduction of mechanical resistance can be a drawback on ceramic-polymer systems. In this manuscript, we investigate the potential of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) whiskers, a needle shape bioceramic, to enhance mechanical and osteoconduction properties on the polymeric matrix. For this purpose, PCL scaffolds incorporating CDHA whiskers were produced by combining solvent casting and particulate leaching techniques to develop a composite scaffold that possess mechanical and biological properties which is useful for bone tissue engineering regeneration. We produced CDHA whiskers using alkaline hydrolysis of α-tricalcium phosphate and characterized by XRD, XRF and SEM. PCL/CDHA scaffolds were fabricated with a final porosity of ~70%, quantified by SEM images. Mechanical properties were evaluated by compression test. As an initial test, PCL/CDHA scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid to quantify apatite deposition. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess cytotoxicity and bioactivity. CDHA whiskers exhibited a needle-like morphology and a Ca/P ratio equal to calcium deficient hydroxyapatite. The composite scaffolds contained interconnected pores 177 to 350 μm in size and homogeneous ceramic distribution. The addition of CDHA whiskers influences the mechanical results: higher elastic modulus and compressive strength was observed on PCL/CDHA samples. In vitro results demonstrated biocompatibility on PCL and PCL/CDHA films. In vivo data demonstrated cellular infiltration from the surrounding tissue with new bone formation that suggests bioactive potential of CDHA whiskers. Our goal was to produce a scaffold with a potential induction factor and a favorable morphology, which was proved according to this study's findings.

Cobalt-base alloys (Co-Cr-Mo) are widely employed in dentistry and orthopedic implants due to their biocompatibility, high mechanical strength and wear resistance. The osseointegration of implants can be improved by surface modification techniques. However, complex geometries obtained by additive manufacturing (AM) limits the efficiency of mechanical-based surface modification techniques. Therefore, plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is the best alternative, creating nanotopography even in complex structures. In the present study, we report the osseointegration results in three conditions of the additively manufactured Co-Cr-Mo alloy: (i) as-built, (ii) after PIII, and (iii) coated with titanium (Ti) followed by PIII. The metallic samples were designed with a solid half and a porous half to observe the bone ingrowth in different surfaces. Our results revealed that all conditions presented cortical bone formation. The titanium-coated sample exhibited the best biomechanical results, which was attributed to the higher bone ingrowth percentage with almost all medullary canals filled with neoformed bone and the pores of the implant filled and surrounded by bone ingrowth. It was concluded that the metal alloys produced for AM are biocompatible and stimulate bone neoformation, especially when the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy with a Ti-coated surface, nanostructured and anodized by PIII is used, whose technology has been shown to increase the osseointegration capacity of this implant.

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo polymeric membranes obtained by a rotary jet-spinning process for the repair of critical bone defects in the calvaria of Wistar rats, for future use in tissue engineering. Experimental sample collections were performed on the 30, 60 and 90th postoperative days, and the analyses performed were histomorphometric, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Reducing inflammatory infiltrate in all groups and experimental periods, angiogenesis on the 30th day did not show any difference between the groups, on the 60th day, 5% polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate(PCL/β-TCP) was high compared to control (C), and on the 90th day, the same group reduced when compared to C and 10% PCL/β-TCP. The fibroplasia presented oscillations in every segment; on the 30th and 60th day, there was an increase in 5% PCL/β-TCP, which decreased by the 90th day compared to group C. 10% PCL/β-TCP decreased compared to C on the 60th and 90th day. The percentage of the collagen area remained high in all groups and all experimental periods. Immunohistochemistry quantifications showed variations in bone metabolism suggesting new bone formation. The 5 and 10% PCL/β-TCP scaffold were promising for the bone regeneration process because they participated in the modulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and collagenosis.

Rotary jet spinning (RJS) and electrospinning are techniques to obtain fibrous scaffolds. RJS is a simple method, which fabricates three-dimensional fibers by exploiting a high-speed rotating nozzle, creating a polymer jet which stretches until solidification, and does not require high voltage. In opposite, electrospinning technique needs the presence of an external electric field to create fiber from the polymeric jet solution. This article investigates both processes using two different biocompatible polymers: Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL). Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Morphological observations showed the efficiency of both techniques in obtaining nanofibers. Thermal analyses of data indicate immiscible property of different blends and the total solvent evaporation. In vitro cytocompatibility test showed that RJS and electrospinning samples exhibited good cytocompatibility. Based on these results, it may be concluded that the fibers obtained with both technologies are non-cytotoxicity and with good biocompatibility, and might be suitable for applications as scaffold for cell growth.

Tissue engineering represents a promising alternative for reconstructive surgical procedures especially for the repair of bone defects that do not regenerate spontaneously. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the elastin matrix (E24/50 and E96/37) incorporated with hydroxyapatite (HA) or morphogenetic protein (BMP) on the bone repair process in the distal metaphysis of rat femur. The groups were: control group (CG), hydrolyzed elastin matrix at 50°C/24h (E24/50), E24/50 + HA (E24/50/HA), E24/50 + BMP (E24/50/BMP), hydrolyzed elastin matrix at 37°C/96h (E96/37), E96/37 + HA (E96/37/HA), E96/37 + BMP (E96/37/BMP). Macroscopic and radiographic analyses showed longitudinal integrity of the femur in all groups without fractures or bone deformities. Microtomographically, all groups demonstrated partial closure by mineralized tissue except for the E96/37/HA group with hyperdense thin bridge formation interconnecting the edges of the ruptured cortical. Histologically, there was no complete cortical recovery in any group, but partial closure with trabecular bone. In defects filled with biomaterials, no chronic inflammatory response or foreign body type was observed. The mean volume of new bone formed was statistically significant higher in the E96/37/HA and E24/50 groups (71.28 ± 4.26 and 66.40 ± 3.69, respectively) than all the others. In the confocal analysis, it was observed that all groups presented new bone markings formed during the experimental period, being less evident in the CG group. Von Kossa staining revealed intense calcium deposits distributed in all groups. Qualitative analysis of collagen fibers under polarized light showed a predominance of red-orange birefringence in the newly regenerated bone with no difference between groups. It was concluded that the E24/50 and E96/37/HA groups promoted, with greater speed, the bone repair process in the distal metaphysis of rat femur.

Many researches aim to develop different biomaterials that are compatible with natural tissues. In vitro and in vivo tests are used to evaluate this potential. Our aim was to report the importance of the critical defect’s location for in vivo assays, to evaluate this approach; in vivo studies were performed, using different compositions of biomaterials in two critical size defects: tibia and parietal bone. Polycaprolactone was used as the main polymeric matrix with and without addition of hydroxyapatite. In vivo studies on the standard critical size defect in tibia and parietal bone were performed using Wistars models: 3x2 and 5x1 dimensions, respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 32 days; neobone formation was assessed with the histological data. The in vivo data demonstrated differences between the tibia and parietal bone groups: the influence of the bone on the neobone’s formation was notable. All the tibia defect samples had greater neobone volume when compared to the parietal data. Indeed, these bones have distinct embryology, influence of mechanical forces and vascularization rate that are well known; moreover, these characteristics were demonstrated to be critical for neobone formation.

We introduce an enhanced nanoengineered ionic-covalent entanglement (NICE) bioink for the fabrication of mechanically stiff and elastomeric 3D biostructures. NICE bioink formulations combine nanocomposite and ionic-covalent entanglement (ICE) strengthening mechanisms to print customizable cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering with high structural fidelity and mechanical stiffness. Nanocomposite and ICE strengthening mechanisms complement each other through synergistic interactions, improving mechanical strength, elasticity, toughness, and flow properties beyond the sum of the effects of either reinforcement technique alone. Herschel-Bulkley flow behavior shields encapsulated cells from excessive shear stresses during extrusion. The encapsulated cells readily proliferate and maintain high cell viability over 120 days within the 3D-printed structure, which is vital for long-term tissue regeneration. A unique aspect of the NICE bioink is its ability to print much taller structures, with higher aspect ratios, than can be achieved with conventional bioinks without requiring secondary supports. We envision that NICE bioinks can be used to bioprint complex, large-scale, cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering with high structural fidelity and mechanical stiffness for applications in custom bioprinted scaffolds and tissue engineered implants.

Bone substitutes are required to repair osseous defects caused by a number of factors, such as traumas, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Autologous bone grafting is typically used to bridge bone defects, but suffers from chronic pain at the donor-site and limited availability of graft material. Tissue engineering approaches are being investigated as viable alternatives, which ideal scaffold should be biocompatible, biodegradable, and promote cellular interactions and tissue development, need to present proper mechanical and physical properties. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), oleic acid (OA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) were used to obtain films whose properties were investigated by contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, and in vitro tests with U2OS human osteosarcoma cells by direct contact. Our results indicate that by using OA as surfactant/dispersant, it was possible to obtain a homogenous film with HAp. The PCL/OA/Hap sample had twice the roughness of the control (PCL) and a lower contact angle, indicating increased hydrophilicity of the film. Furthermore, mechanical testing showed that the addition of HAp decreased the load at yield point and tensile strength and increased tensile modulus, indicating a more brittle composition vs. PCL matrix. Preliminary cell culture experiments carried out with the films demonstrated that U2OS cells adhered and proliferated on all surfaces. The data demonstrate the improved dispersion of HAp using OA and the important consequences of this addition on the composite, unveiling the potentially of this composition for bone growth support. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1076-1082, 2016.

Our hypothesis was to investigate the fatty acid potential as a bone induction factor. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate this approach. Oleic acid was used in a 0.5 wt.% concentration. Polycaprolactone was used as the polymeric matrix by combining solvent-casting and particulate-leaching techniques, with a final porosity of 70 wt.%, investigated by SEM images. Contact angle measurements were produced to investigate the influence of oleic acid on polycaprolactone chains. Cell culture was performed using adipocyte-derived stem cells to evaluate biocompatibility and bioactivity properties. In addition, in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the induction potential of oleic acid addition. Adipocyte-derived stem cells were used to provide differentiation after 21 days of culture. Likewise, information were obtained with in vivo data and cellular invagination was observed on both scaffolds (polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone /oleic acid); interestingly, the scaffold with oleic acid addition demonstrated that cellular migrations are not related to the surrounding tissue, indicating bioactive potential. Our hypothesis is that fatty acid may be used as a potential induction factor for bone tissue engineering. The study’s findings indicate oleic acid as a possible agent for bone induction, according to data on cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Impact statement The biomaterial combined in this study on bone regeneration is innovative and shows promising results in the treatment of bone lesions. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and oleic acid have been studied separately. In this research, we combined biomaterials to assess the stimulus and the speed of bone healing.

Objective The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration on the apposition rate and structural features of dentine from mouse incisors. Methods Young male A/J Unib mice were treated daily for 6 and 10 days with 40 μg/kg of hPTH 1-34 or a vehicle. Dentine apposition rates measured by fluorescent labels (tetracycline and calcein) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plasma levels were evaluated after 6 days of treatment. Knoop microhardness testing and element content measurements in at.% of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), oxygen (O), and magnesium (Mg) in the peritubular and intertubular dentine were performed by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) after 10 days of treatment. Results Histometric analysis revealed an increase of 5% in the apposition rate of dentine and 25% in the ALP plasma levels in the PTH treated group. In addition, knoop microhardness testing revealed that the animals treated with PTH had a greater microhardness (11%). EDX microanalysis showed that PTH treatment led to increases in P (23%) and Ca (53%) at.% content, as well as the Ca/P ratio (24%) in peritubular dentine. The chemical composition of intertubular dentine did not vary between the groups. Conclusions These findings indicate that intermittent administration of hPTH (1-34) increases apposition and mineralization of the dentine during young mice incisor formation.

The process of electrospinning is considered one of the most promising methods for the fabrication of poly- mer nanofibers. This essentially consists of applying a high electric field, which causes stretching of the polymer which exits through a capillary. Among the numerous applications of this process, electrospinning allows the fabrication of semiconductor and conductive nanofibers from mixtures or solutions, which have great potential for applications in sensors and the fabrication of scaffolds for cell growth. The aim of this work was to analyze the properties of the blend, produces by the electrospinning of the PCL and PLLA solu- tion, with the focus to generate a promissory scaffold. PCL is a semi-crystalline aliphatic polymer that has a slower degradation rate 12 - 24 months. It has a low glass transition temperature at –60?C, a melting tem-perature at about 60?C, and a high thermal stability. Properties of PLA depend on the component isomers, processing temperature, annealing time and molecular weight. Thus were used PCL, from Aldrich, with Mw of 80,000 g/mol, and PLLA, sintered in laboratory, with Mw of 240,000 g/mol, were dissolved in chloroform (CHCl3, Merck) and acetone (Synth) by stirring for 6 hours. The solution was electrospinning for 1 hour us- ing the equipment made in the laboratory, the voltage used was 13 kv, the rate of 0.5 ml/h and an approxi- mate distance from the tip of the needle to the collector of 12 cm. The morphology of the samples was ob- served by images made with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and also was analyzed by FT-IR and DSC.

Orientadores: Cecília Amélia de Carvalho Zavaglia, Antonio Celso Fonseca de Arruda Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica Resumo: A variedade de sítios anatômicos e diferentes propriedades mecânicas são essenciais para o êxito em cirurgias de reconstrução óssea, com isso tratamentos envolvendo fraturas complexas, perda óssea e próteses são beneficiadas com o uso dos biomateriais. Com o presente estudo, buscou-se uma proposta original no uso de um biomaterial compósito para implantes na região da mandíbula, a singularidade deste dispositivo é a estrutura física do material, que é composto por um núcleo denso em uma matriz porosa. As influências das estruturas e dos materiais utilizados foram analisadas por caracterizações físicas, químicas e as atividades celulares em ensaios in vitro, analisando o comportamento dessas em condições similares ao ambiente de implantação o que permitiu qualificar este biomaterial. Para tanto, foram sintetizados reagentes primários para a síntese de fosfato tricálcico (?-TCP), que ao ser hidrolisado resultou em whiskers de hidroxiapatita. As cerâmicas foram caracterizadas pelas análises de difração de raios X (DRX), fluorescência de raios X (FRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e ensaio de citotoxicidade. As diversas composições poliméricas e compósitas foram analisadas utilizando os resultados obtidos pelos ensaios de ângulo de contato, calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), microscópio de força atômica (MFA), microscopia óptica com luz polarizada (MO), ensaio mecânico de tração e ensaios in vitro com células U20S. Os suportes tridimensionais passaram por análises como de: ensaio mecânico de compressão e ensaios in vitro com células tronco mesenquimais. Os estudos foram realizados para a verificação do potencial de aplicação clínica desse material na engenharia tecidual óssea. As amostras que se apresentaram mais promissoras foram as de composições poli (?-caprolactona) / ácido oléico/ hidroxiapatita e poli caprolactona/ ácido oléico. Resistência mecânica, hidrofilicidade, rugosidade, cristalinidade, espraiamento celular e osteoindução foram os critérios utilizados neste trabalho. Os resultados obtidos demostraram-se promissores e irão incentivar pesquisas futuras envolvendo estes materiais Abstract: The variety of anatomical sites and different mechanical properties are essential to the success of surgery bone reconstruction. Treatments involving this complex fractures, bone loss and prosthetics are benefited with the use of biomaterials. In the present study, we sought to an original use of a composite biomaterial for implants in the jaw area; the uniqueness of this device is the physical structure of the material, which is composed of a dense core in a porous matrix. The influences of structures and materials were analyzed by characterizing the physical, chemical and cellular activities in in vitro assays, analyzing the behavior of those in similar conditions to the deployment environment which would allow qualifying this biomaterial. Therefore, primers were synthesized reagents for the synthesis of tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP), which when hydrolyzed resulted in hydroxyapatite whiskers. The ceramics were characterized by analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cytotoxicity assay. The various compositions were analyzed using the results obtained by contact angle tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscope (AFM); optical microscopy with polarized light (OM), mechanical tests and in vitro assays with cells U20S. The scaffolds have undergone analyzes as: mechanical compression test and in vitro assays with mesenchymal stem cells. Studies were conducted to verify the potential clinical application of this material in bone tissue engineering. Because the analysis of the results of the characterizations, the samples which were the most promising compositions of poly (?-caprolactone) / oleic acid and poly(?- caprolactone)/ oleic acid/ hydroxyapatite. Mechanical strength, hydrophilicity, roughness, crystallinity, cell spreading and osteoinduction were the criteria used in this work. The results showed to be promising and will encourage future research involving these materials Doutorado Materiais e Processos de Fabricação Doutora em Engenharia Mecânica

Orientadores: Antonio Celso Fonseca de Arruda, Cecília Amélia de Carvalho Zavaglia Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica Resumo: A engenharia tecidual, que tem como objetivo a reconstrução de tecidos de animais, enfrenta um desafio: a construção de suportes. Uma das propriedades relevantes desse eventual material é a sua taxa de absorção, que deve ser inversamente proporcional à taxa de crescimento tecidual. Nesse sentido, a poli ( -caprolactona) (PCL), que é um polímero biocompatível e bioreabsorvível, mostra-se ser um material promissor para reconstruções ósseas, já que possui uma taxa de reabsorção lenta. Esse polímero, por não ser capaz de atrair células osteoblásticas, deve ter a adição de cerâmicas bioativas com o propósito de fortalecer a estrutura do suporte. Adicionalmente, deve atuar como um condutor para a proliferação de células ósseas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver suportes tridimensionais de poli ( -caprolactona) com fibras ou whiskers de hidroxiapatita. A estrutura deve ser porosa de modo a permitir a vascularização dessa área e consequentemente a osteocondução. Foram sintetizados reagentes primários tais como monetita e carbonato de cálcio, para a sinterização de fosfato tricálcico ( -TCP), que ao ser hidrolisado resultou em whiskers de hidroxiapatita. As fibras de hidroxiapatita foram obtidas pelo método de molten salt utilizando a hidroxiapatita precipitada. As cerâmicas foram caracterizadas por análises de difração de raios X (DRX), fluorescência de raios X (FRX) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Os suportes passaram por testes mecânicos de compressão e testes in vitro, além de MEV e DRX. Os resultados indicaram que os suportes poliméricos com adição de whiskers de hidroxiapatita apresentaram-se mais resistentes à compressão. A presença de whiskers, diferentemente das fibras, caracterizou-se como reforço na matriz polimérica. Os resultados do teste de imersão em fluído corpóreo mostraram que os suportes com whiskers de hidroxiapatita, diferentemente das fibras, resultaram em deposição de apatita em suas superfícies Abstract: Tissue engineering, which aim is the reconstruction of animal tissues, faces a challenge: the building supports. One of the relevant properties of any material is its rate of absorption, which should be inversely proportional to the rate of tissue growth. Accordingly, to the poly ( -caprolactone) (PCL), which is a biocompatible polymer and bioresorbable shows to be a promising material for bone reconstruction since it has a slow rate of resorption. This polymer, for not being able to attract osteoblastic cells, should have the addition of bioactive ceramics in order to strengthen the supporting structure. Additionally, it should acts as an inducer for the proliferation of bone cells. The objective of this study was to develop three-dimensional scaffolds of poly ( -caprolactone) with fibers and whiskers of hydroxyapatite. The structure should be porous to allow vascularization of this area and consequently the osteoinduction. Were synthesized reagents such as monetita and calcium carbonate, for sintering of tricalcium phosphate ( -TCP), which when hydrolyzed results in hydroxyapatite whiskers. The fibers of hydroxyapatite were obtained by the method molten salt using precipitated hydroxyapatite. The ceramics were characterized by analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The scaffolds were tested by mechanical compression and in vitro tests, in addition to SEM and XRD. The results indicated that the scaffolds with the addition of hydroxyapatite whiskers were more resistant to compression. The presence of whiskers, unlike fiber, characterized as reinforcement in polymer matrix. The test results of immersion in body fluid showed that the scaffolds with hydroxyapatite whiskers, unlike fiber, aimed to the deposition of apatite on their surfaces Mestrado Materiais e Processos de Fabricação Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

We investigated the potential use of 3D hybrid membrane: poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mesh using rotary jet spinning with subsequent chitosan (CH) coating. The morphological examinations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were proved the efficiency of this technique on obtaining relative homogeneous PCL fiber mats (15,49 ± 4,1µm), with high surface porosity (1,06 ± 0,41µm) and effective CH coating. The feasibility of rotary jet spinning allowed the solvent evaporation during the process; this fact was verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), indeed also had verified changes in thermal properties on the hybrid membrane, since the present of CH. It was investigated the mechanical properties of the hybrid membrane and CH film, the data were that the samples presents good tensile modulus but low strain at the break. In addition, it was verified the biocompatibility properties in vitro using Vero cells. PCL mesh demonstrated cells more spread vastly in the pore surface, with attachments in between fibers indicating the potential for cell adhesion. The films samples (CH and hybrid membrane) resulted in a cells layer on the surfaces with an intense staining (metachromasy), which is the result of cells more active. The cell counting -5 days of culture- and the MTT assay -21 days of culture- demonstrated that the materials tested proved to be different from the positive control and equal to each other and this fact, in our view, this indicates a satisfactory proliferation. Thus, based on the results here, this novel hybrid membrane provides an attractive material for tissue engineering applications.