Evaluation of biocompatibility and degradation profile of poly caprolactone-co-dioxanone scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Godkjenningsdato
Godkjent fra
Godkjent til
Bone defects are of significant concern due to the increase in the median age of our population. Traditionally, bone autografts have been used to restore damaged bone. This requires a second surgical site with the possibility of complications. In bone tissue engineering, which is an alternative approach for the treatment of bone defects, one possible approach is to utilize biomaterial scaffolds that provide mechanical integrity and/or act as a carrier vehicle to deliver cells or growth factors.
Our aim is to evaluate the biocompatibility, local host response and degradation profile of the newly developed poly(caprolactone-co-dioxanone) (PCLDX) scaffold using a subcutaneous model in rats. This model is considered less invasive and will cause less distress to animals. Unfortunately, there are no in vitro possibilities to perform these tests and animals must be utilized. To minimize the number of animals used, 4 different scaffolds will be implanted into each animal, thereby reducing the number of animals required to perform statistical analysis by 75%. The procedure involves creating pockets on the back of the animals, near the flanks to decrease the animal's discomfort as much as possible. 100 rats will be used divided into 4 time-points and 3 groups, each group has 2 subgroups.