MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INITIAL REGENERATIVE POTENTIAL OF COLLAGEN SCAFFOLD IN CRITICAL BONE DEFECTS

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Under physiological conditions, bone tissue undergoes constant renewal and regeneration. In situations that lead to a breakdown in homeostasis, with extensive tissue damage, the regenerative capacity of this tissue becomes limited and, as a result, part of the bone lesion is filled with fibrous connective tissue, which characterizes a critical bone defect. In these cases, it is essential to use bone grafts, biomaterials, or technologies that can aid bone regeneration. Among the materials available for this purpose, collagen has been widely used in bone tissue bioengineering because of its biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and biointegration properties. Objective: To investigate, through an initial phase study, the regenerative potential of collagen scaffolds in repairing critical bone defects in rat calvaria. Methodology: Six adult male albino Wistar rats were used to create critical bone defects for the implantation of porcine collagen scaffolds. Histological analysis was performed at the 15-day biological point. Results: Mineralization nuclei formation, the presence of osteoblasts, and neoformation of bone tissue from the edges of the defect were observed. Osteocytes trapped in lacunae with their extensions were identified. Furthermore, integration of the collagen scaffold with the newly formed bone matrix and the presence of mild chronic inflammation were noted, with no indication of edema and the presence of giant cells identified in small quantities. In addition, angiogenesis was observed through the formation of new blood vessels. Conclusion: The collagen scaffold proved to be biocompatible, osteoconductive, and showed regenerative potential with the formation of mineralization nuclei and biomimicry with bone tissue.