Abstract
We evaluated bone production after combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the mini-pig posterior iliac crest with 3-D woven fabric composite scaffold, in which regularly arranged pores form a lattice-like porous structure consisting of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and 75/25 Poly lactide-co-glycolide (75/25 PLGA). There were two experimental groups. In the first one cells were injected into the 3-D woven fabric composite scaffold. The second one had the 3-D woven fabric composite scaffold only, with no injected cells. In both cases, the scaffolds were transplanted into mini-pig clavarial defects. A bone defect only group was also created as a control. Microradiographic and histological images showed progressive bone infiltration into the macropores of the 3D scaffolds. The scaffold had a positive effect on the tissue response. However, there was no significant difference in bone defect healing efficiency between the MSC plus scaffold group and the scaffold only group. Further improvements in the design of the 3-D woven fabric composite scaffold, such as optimization of the fiber intervals and porosity, are expected to enhance the osteogenic ability of the material.
