Bone Augmentation by Implantation of an FGF2-loaded Collagen Gel-sponge Composite Scaffold

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) plays a critical role in osteoblastic cell proliferation. Collagen gel-sponge composite is an effective scaffold for tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether addition of FGF2 to collagen gel-sponge composite promotes bone augmentation in rats.
The rats were assigned to groups designated F0, F3 and F15, and received implantation of collagen gel-sponge composite containing 0, 3 and 15 µg FGF2, respectively, into a cranial bone defect. Specimens were prepared 1, 2 and 5 weeks after surgery for histologic and histomorphometric analysis.
Newly formed bone area in groups F3 and F15 was significantly greater than that in group F0 at all stages. These results suggest that FGF2-loaded collagen gel-sponge composite scaffold stimulates bone augmentation and might provide a more effective bone engineering approach.