Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

J Vis Exp. 2018 Nov 16:(141). doi: 10.3791/58077.

Abstract

Large non-union bone fractures are a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery. Although auto- and allogeneic bone grafts are excellent for healing such lesions, there are potential complications with their use. Thus, material scientists are developing synthetic, biocompatible biomaterials to overcome these problems. In this study, we present a multidisciplinary platform for evaluating biomaterials for bone repair. We combined expertise from bone biology and immunology to develop a platform including in vitro osteoclast (OC) and osteoblast (OB) assays and in vivo mouse models of bone repair, immunogenicity, and allergenicity. We demonstrate how to perform the experiments, summarize the results, and report on biomaterial biocompatibility. In particular, we tested OB viability, differentiation, and mineralization and OC viability and differentiation in the context of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) disks. We also tested a β-TCP/Collagen (β-TCP/C) foam which is a commercially available material used clinically for bone repair in a critical-sized calvarial bone defect mouse model to determine the effects on the early phase of bone healing. In parallel experiments, we evaluated immune and allergic responses in mice. Our approach generates a biological compatibility profile of a bone biomaterial with a range of parameters necessary for predicting the biocompatibility of biomaterials used for bone healing and repair in patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / administration & dosage*
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacokinetics
  • Bone Regeneration / drug effects*
  • Bone Regeneration / physiology
  • Calcium Phosphates / administration & dosage
  • Calcium Phosphates / pharmacokinetics
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Collagen / administration & dosage
  • Collagen / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Immunity, Cellular / physiology
  • Materials Testing / methods*
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoclasts / drug effects
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • beta-tricalcium phosphate
  • Collagen
  • tricalcium phosphate