title: Regeneration of mastoid air cells using polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate biocomposites: an experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to regenerate pneumatic air cells in guinea pig bulla using three-dimenisonal (3D) biocomposite scaffolds consisting of polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective controlled study in experimental animals.
  
  
  METHODS
  PCL/β-TCP composites were implanted into the bulla with mucosa preservation in group A (n = 10). PCL/β-TCP composites coated with collagen were implanted in group B (n = 10). After 12 weeks, the bullae were extracted and evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and were processed for histological analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In group A, micro-CT showed a well-maintained honeycomb appearance of micropores without obstruction. Regeneration of the mucosa was noted inside the pores of the 3D scaffold. However, partial obstruction of the micropores with new bone formation was evident in group B.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Group A showed more satisfactory mucosal regeneration into the micropores. Our results indicate that the 3D scaffold may be amenable for use during mastoidectomy. Further studies for gas exchange in the regenerated mucosa are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Research Center for Resistant Cells, Chosun Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea. chulsavio@hanmail.net
authors.forename: Chul Ho
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Yong Beom
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Jun Sung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hyeong Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Geun Hyung
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D011091:Polyesters; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; C016240:polycaprolactone