EUROPEAN CONGRESS AND EXHIBITION ON ADVANCED MATERIALS AND PROCESSES - EUROMAT 2021

Availability and regeneration of bone are crucial topics in implant dentistry and orthopedics. Especially compromised healing by underlying pathologies and age can be challenging. With increased time efficiency, decreased complication risks, and maximized healing capabilities customized 3D -printed biomaterials can counteract these challenges. In this study, we evaluated biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of a novel biodegradable 3D -printed β-TCP scaffold in proximal tibia and calvaria of rats, for its use in guided bone regeneration.
We created bilateral critical size calvaria defects (Ø 5 mm) together with mono cortical proximal tibia defects (Ø 1.5 mm, depth: 6 mm in 36 (n=12 for each group) adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Sham controls were on the left sides, the right sides were filled with one of the following bone substitutes: 1) a novel biodegradable 3D printed β-TCP (LithaBone TCP 380 D; Lithoz GmbH Vienna, Austria), 2) a proven 3D printed β-TCP (LithaBone TCP 300; Lithoz), and 3) deproteinized bone (Bio-Oss®Block; Geistlich Pharma AG (Wolhusen, Switzerland). Different fluorochromes were administered at week 2 and 3 to evaluate dynamic bone formation. For evaluation of newly formed bone, in vivo micro-CT scans at week 2 and 4 and ex vivo scans were performed. To assess biocompatibility, new bone area, penetration depth, vessel number, vessel area and bone apposition rate histological undecalcified thin ground sections will be used.
Preliminary results of qualitative analyses showed almost full calvaria scaffold penetration after 4 weeks c with remarkable biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties. Quantitative results are pending and are expected to be ready for the congress.
In case of confirmation of the qualitative results, biodegradable 3D printed β-TCP scaffold could be a candidate for guided bone regeneration in alveolar regions to facilitate implant placement in orthopedics and neurosurgery to promote bone regeneration after flat and long bone defects.