The use of PLDLA/PCL-T scaffold to repair osteochondral defects in vivo

Abstract

The physiological repair of osteochondral lesions requires the development of a scaffold that is compatible with the structure of the damaged tissue, cartilage and bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological performance of a PLDLA/PCL-T (90/10) scaffold for repairing osteochondral defects in rabbits. Polymeric scaffolds containing saccharose (75% w/v) were obtained by solvent casting and then implanted in the medial knee condyles of 12 New Zealand rabbits after osteochondral damage with a trephine metallic drill (diameter: 3.3 mm) in both medial femoral condyles. Each rabbit received the same treatment, i.e., the polymeric scaffold was implanted on the right side while no material was implanted on the left side (control). Four and 12 weeks later histological examination revealed bone neoformation in the implant group, with the presence of hyaline cartilage and mesenchymal tissue. In contrast, the control group showed bone neoformation with necrosis, exacerbated superficial fibrosis, inflammation and cracks in the neoformed tissue. These findings indicate that the PLDLA/PCL-T scaffold was biocompatible and protected the condyles by stabilizing the lesion and allowing subchondral bone tissue and hyaline cartilage formation.

Lithograph-moulded poly-L-co-D,L lactide porous membranes for osteoblastic culture

“…PLDLA copolymer is compatible with 34 and suitable for use as a bone graft substitute [35][36][37][38] , meniscus replacement 39,40 , suture cords/threads 41 and axon regeneration 42 . Cellular adhesion to biomaterials is extremely important in material sciences.…”

In vivo evaluation of porous hydrogel pins to fill osteochondral defects in rabbits

“…With lesion progression, vertical cracks with an uneven and dull appearance can be observed in the articular cartilage. 4 , 14 …”

“…Fibrocartilaginous tissue fills the transition zone and interrupts the formation of bone tissue. 4 , 11 , 14 …”