Poly(D,L-lactide/epsilon-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite composites as bone filler: An in vivo study in rats

Senkoylu A., Ural E., Kesenci K., Simsek A., Ruacan S., Fambri L., ...More

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, vol.25, no.12, pp.1174-1179, 2002 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2002
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL ORGANS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1174-1179
  • Keywords: bone filler composite, poly(D,L-lactide/epsilon-caprolactone) copolymers, hydroxyapatite, animal tests, PHOSPHATE, BEHAVIOR, POLYMER
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this study, a novel composite bone substitute was implanted in animal models (rats) and their in vivo characteristics were examined. A D,L-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone copolymer (M(W): 80,000; M(n):40,000, and PI:2.00) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the respective dimers using stannous octoate as the catalyst. The final ratio of D,L-lactide to epsilon-caprolactone obtained by (1)NMR was 60/40. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was loaded in the copolymer. The HA/copolymer ratio was 60/40 (w/w). These composites were easily shaped by hand. Animal tests were performed on mature wistar rats (n=30). Defects were created on the proximal, the thickest part of the femur. The bone defects of the first group were filled with polymer/HA composite, the second group filled with only HA and the third group was left empty. Histologic examination of bone tissues showed new bone formation around the yellow-green polymer/HA composite material in the first group of animals whereas no evidence of new bone growth was observed in other groups.