Benedikt Kruse (Essen, DE), David Mrosek (Essen, DE), Katarina Vasic (Göttingen, DE), Kai Böker (Göttingen, DE), Arndt Schilling (Göttingen, DE), Wolfgang Lehmann (Göttingen, DE), Prof. Dr. Matthias Epple (Essen, DE)
Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)
Introduction
Every year, millions of people suffer from bone fractures. Typically, proper fixation is achieved with plates, pins and screws. In addition, calcium phosphate (CaP) cements and pastes are successfully used in dental and orthopedic applications to fill bone defects. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, osteoconductive, and to some extent osteoinductive.
Objectives
The aim of this project is to develop a synthetic paste based on chemically modified calcium phosphate nanoparticles which is capable of gluing bone fragments.
Materials & Methods
Calcium phosphate nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of calcium lactate and di-ammonium hydrogen carbonate. They were stabilized with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and a silica shell (SiO2). CMC-stabilized nanoparticles represented the inorganic part of the paste which was thoroughly chemically and biologically characterized. The particles were mixed with an alginate solution in order to obtain a bone glue capable of binding under wet conditions. This was tested by submerging glued bone fragment in water. Osteoblast differentiation from SCP1 cells was investigated on the surface of this compound.
Results
The combination of CaP/CMC/SiO2 nanoparticles with alginate resulted in a nanocomposite capable of gluing bone fragments. The bond was stable for at least 24h in water. Osteoblast differentiation from SCP1 cells was evaluated by quantifying collagen deposition with Sirius red. The staining showed no difference in collagen deposition compared to the control group after 28 days.
Conclusion
Calcium phosphate-alginate nanocomposites can be used to glue bone fragments. This bond is stable for at least 24h, even if submerged in fluids. Osteoblast differentiation from SCP1 cells on the bone glue indicated no adverse effects on collagen production, which is an important requirement for bone fracture remodeling.