In Vivo Evaluation of The Novel Nanocomposite Porous 3D Scaffold in a Rabbit Model

Objectives: To evaluate, In Vivo, the developed porous nanocomposite scaffold from cockle shell nanopowder for segmental bone defect (SBD) repair. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Complete critical bone defect (2cm) made on the shaft of radial bone of adult male New Zealand White rabbit. Then implanted with scaffold and assessed for 8 weeks by means of radiography, grossly and biochemistry. The rabbits were divided into 4 groups: Group A (control), Group B (implanted by scaffold 5211), Group C (implanted by 5211GTA+Alginate) and Group D (implanted by 5211PLA). Findings: Radiographic examination showed new trabecular bone formation that signifies the bone healing/regeneration. This occurred in the defects edge as well as in the middle within one month which involved osteogenesis that moved within the central region and margins of the scaffold implant. This was attained with negligible tissue responses to a foreign body which was seen through biochemistry analyses (ALP and Ca+2). Grossly, after 8 weeks post-implantation the quantity of mature bone increased forming whole bone. The new bone tissue that was produced was successively matured within time as anticipated with increased mature cortical bone development and regeneration. Application/Improvements: This work signifies key development in the healing of artificial bone grafts and suggests that the biomaterial of the grafted scaffold possess significant potential when regeneration of bone is necessary.