Evaluation of in vivo angiogenetic effects of copper doped bioactive glass scaffolds in the AV loop model

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we analysed the angiogenetic effects of 3D scaffolds made from 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) doped with 1 wt. % copper ions in the arteriovenous loop model of the rat. Materials and Methods: An arteriovenous loop was built in the groin of 10 rats and inserted in 1% copper doped 45S5 BG scaffolds and fibrin. The scaffold and the AV loop were inserted in Teflon isolation chambers and explanted 3 weeks after implantation. Afterwards the scaffolds were analyzed by Micro-CT and histology regarding vascularization. Results were compared to plain 45S5 BG-based scaffolds from a previous study. Results: Micro-CT and histological evaluation showed consistent vascularization of the constructs. A tendency towards an increased vascularization in the copper doped BG group compared to plain BG constructs could be observed. However, there was no significant difference in statistical analysis between both groups. Conclusions: This study shows results that support an increased angiogenetic effect of 1% copper doped 45S5 BG compared to regular 45S5 BG scaffolds in the rat arteriovenous loop model although these tendencies are not backed by statistical evidence. Maybe higher copper doses could lead to a statistically significant angiogenetic effect.