In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the marine sponge skeleton as a bone mimicking biomaterial

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to identify and characterize marine sponges as potential bioscaffolds in bone tissue engineering. The marine sponge (Biemna fortis) samples were collected from the rocky intertidal region of Anjuna, Goa, India, freeze-dried and converted to pure cristobalite at low temperature. After thorough evaluation of sponge samples by DTA-TGA thermography, XRD, FTIR, SEM and cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay, bare sponge scaffolds were fabricated by firing at 1190 °C. These scaffolds were loaded with growth factors (IGF-1 and BMP-2), checked for quasi-dynamic in vitro release kinetics and finally implanted into femoral bone defects in rabbits for up to 90 days, by keeping an empty defect as a control. The in vivo bone healing process was evaluated and compared using chronological radiology, histology, SEM and fluorochrome labeling studies. SEM revealed that the sponge skeleton possesses a collagenous fibrous network consisting of highly internetworked porosity in the size range of 10-220 μm. XRD and FTIR analysis showed a cristobalite phase with acicular crystals of high aspect ratio, and crystallinity was found to increase from 725 to 1190 °C. MTT assay demonstrated the non-cytotoxicity of the samples. A combination of burst and sustained release profile was noticed for both the growth factors and about 74.3% and 83% total release at day 28. In the radiological, histological, scanning electron microscopy and fluorochrome labeling analysis, the IGF-1 impregnated converted sponge scaffold promoted excellent osseous tissue formation followed by the BMP-2 loaded and bare one. These observations suggest that the marine sponge alone and in combination with growth factors is a promising biomaterial for bone repair and bone augmentation.

Potential of non-mulberry silk protein fibroin blended and grafted poly(Є-caprolactone) nanofibrous matrices for in vivo bone regeneration

“…Any gap at bone-implant interface is indistinguishable in the NSF grafted group. This is accompanied by more complete invasion of osteoblasts on to the implant structure [31]. For the NSF blended scaffolds, the interfacial gap is still noticeable and a more gradual invasion of osteoblasts is also seen.…”

Patient-Derived Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Gingival Fibroblasts Composited With Defined Nanohydroxyapatite/Chitosan/Gelatin Porous Scaffolds as Potential Bone Graft Substitutes

“…The currently available bone tissue engineering scaffolds can generally be divided into nondegradable and degradable [44][45][46]. Nondegradable bone scaffolds include titanium, ceramics, and so forth.…”

Natural marine sponges for bone tissue engineering: The state of art and future perspectives

“…Although sponges present an osteogenic potential, there is still a lack in the literature regarding their in vivo effects. Nandi et al (2015) carried out a study aiming to characterize marine sponges as potential bioscaffolds for bone tissue engineering. 60 After collection, samples from Biemna fortis were freeze-dried and converted to pure cristobalite.…”