In vivo ossification of a scaffold combining β‑tricalcium phosphate and platelet‑rich plasma

Abstract

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) are commonly used in bone tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to investigate a composite that combined TCP with PRP and assess its effectiveness in the treatment of bone defects. Cavity‑shaped bone defects were established on the tibiae of 27 beagle dogs, and were repaired by pure β‑TCP with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), β‑TCP/PRP with BMSCs and autogenic ilium. The samples were harvested at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and bone regeneration was evaluated using X‑ray radiography, immunocytochemical staining of osteocalcin (OCN), hematoxylin and eosin staining and reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analyses. Biomechanical tests of the scaffolds were performed at the 12th week after scaffold implantation. When using pure β‑TCP as a scaffold, the scaffold‑bone interface was clear and no material adsorption and bone healing was observed. Substantial bone regeneration was observed when the tibial defects were restored using β‑TCP/PRP and autogenic ilium. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of OCN, alkaline phosphatase and collagen type I α1 were significantly higher in the animals with β‑TCP/PRP scaffolds at 8 and 12 weeks following implantation compared with those in the animals with the pure β‑TCP scaffolds. The maximum load and compressive strength of the β‑TCP/PRP scaffolds were similar to those of the autogenic ilium; however, they were significantly higher than those of the pure β‑TCP scaffold. Thus, the β‑TCP/PRP composite may be used as a potential scaffold to carry in vitro cultured BMSCs to treat bone defects.