Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Even if since early ‘900 researchers have been focusing their efforts on bone replacement, autograft is still playing the role of gold standard in critical sized and non-union bone defects in oral and orthopaedic surgery. Hence, adequate bone substitutes for remodelling of native bone tissue are a goal to achieve: biopolymers, bioglasses and bioceramics are often considered to satisfy, at least in part, requirements for bone regeneration, but composite solutions are believed to represent the future, bearing cues from both mineral components and polymeric ones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The new proprietary scaffold developed by Industrie Biomediche Insubri SA has a composite structure based on a bovine derived bone matrix reinforced with biodegradable polymers and bioactive agents. Bovine derived matrix allows to maintain an adequate 3D-structure and porosity, biopolymers permit to achieve good mechanical properties while bioactive agents promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Scaffolds are produced according to GMP standards applying only human-use approved components.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Experimental data collected gave a positive confirmation of the applicability of this novel composite matrix as scaffold for bone tissue regeneration and of its production process developed therewith. Indeed, morphological microstructure analysis confirmed a well diffused cortical bone human-like porosity. Mechanical investigation showed easy shaping by common surgical instruments, in order to replicate and thus replace bone defects, and a relevantly improved resistance to compression with respect to available solutions. Biological and histological investigations showed scaffolds to be promising substrates for cell adhesion and growth, being strongly biocompatible and enhancing cell viability.