Effect of recombinant BMP-2 and erythropoietin on osteogenic properties of biomimetic PLA/PCL/HA and PHB/HA scaffolds in critical-size cranial defects model

Osteoplastic materials PLA/PCL/HA and PHB/HA and scaffolds with a highly porous structure based on them with potential applications in regenerative medicine have been obtained by solvent casting with thermopressing and salt leaching for PTA-based samples and solid-state mixing with subsequent thermopressing and salt leaching for PHB-based samples. The scaffolds were characterized by SEM-FDX, DSC, FTIR spectroscopy, mechanical tests in compression, measurement of the contact angle, in vitro studies, including loading by recombinant BMP-2 and EPO and their release kinetics, and in vivo studies on a model of regeneration of critical-sized cranial defects in mice. Biomimetic scaffolds with micropores sizes ranged from 300 to 500 ten and volume porosity of 70% imitate trabecular bones structure and have increased hydrophilicity to achieve osteoconductive properties. Mechanical characteristics correspond to native trabecular bone. Elastic modulus - key mechanical characteristics of bone implants -showed the values of 0.15 +/- 0.04 and 0.18 +/- 0.08 GPa for PLA/PCL/HA and PHB/HA scaffolds, respectively. Both materials have high biocompatibility and can be used together with recombinant proteins BMP-2 and EPO. Introduction of BMP-2 leads to induction of new bone formation, introduction of EPO results in increased angiogenesis in the implantation area. The obtained scaffolds with recombinant proteins can be used as bone implants for reconstruction of defects of lightly or non-loaded bones.

Automated summary

PLA/PCL/HA and PHB/HA osteoplastic materials and highly porous scaffolds were obtained using solvent casting with thermopressing and salt leaching. These biomimetic scaffolds, with a structure similar to trabecular bones and increased hydrophilicity, have potential applications in regenerative medicine for bone defect reconstruction. Additionally, the materials exhibit high biocompatibility and can be used in conjunction with recombinant proteins BMP-2 and EPO.