Abstract
The study of bone augmentation has been a challenge in bioengineering and tissue engineering because the restoration of bone defects is an important facet of dental implants. Studies have been conducted on stimulating osteogenesis using composites of collagen or gelatin with hydroxyapatite, β-TCP or CO3 apatite; however, few studies have investigated the use of calcium carbonate. This study investigated the use of calcium carbonate from scallop shells (CCSS) in composite with salmon atelocollagen (SAC) from salmon skin as a bone augmentation material. Both materials are underutilized resources in Hokkaido.
Bovine collagen and SAC were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to compare their structural features. A composite of SAC and CCSS (1.4 mL SAC plus 0.014 g CCSS) was prepared by freeze-drying overnight. A control of 1.4 mL SAC only was also prepared. The SAC control and the SAC/CCSS composite were implanted in the parietal bones of four-week-old male Wistar rats. Two weeks later, the parietal bones were removed, demineralized and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Azan-Mallory stains.
The structure of the SAC was observed to be similar to that of bovine collagen, but with fibers that were more porous than the bovine fibers. Histological staining of the tissue samples revealed that a substance like new bone had formed on the SAC/CCSS samples, but not on the SAC control samples. However, thickened periosteum was observed both in the experimental group and the SAC control group.
The results of this study suggest that a new bone-like formation will be created if a space is maintained for bone formation. In addition, the use of these novel materials may contribute to industrial recycling.
