title: The fixation effect of a silk fibroin-bacterial cellulose composite plate in segmental defects of the zygomatic arch: an experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Bioresorbable fixation systems have been popular for the treatment of facial fractures. However, their mechanical properties are uncertain and complications have been reported. To overcome these problems, we developed a bioresorbable fixation plate using a composite of silk fibroin and bacterial cellulose (SF-BC) with biodegradability and increased biocompatibility.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the regenerative effect of the bioresorbable SF-BC fixation plate on zygomatic arch defects in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vivo animal study. The SF-BC composite plate had a tensile strength similar to that of a polylactic acid plate and a tight, pore-free microstructure. Bilateral segmental bone defects (2 mm in length) were created in the zygomatic arches of adult rats. One side was fixed with the SF-BC composite plate, and the other side was left without fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen adult Sprague-Dawley rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fixation of the zygomatic arch defect with the SF-BC composite plate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Micro-computed tomography and histological evaluation of bone samples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gross inspection revealed no specific complication. At 1, 2, 4, and 8 postoperative weeks, the zygomatic arches were explored by micro-computed tomography and histological examination. Control sides did not heal completely and showed bony degeneration and necrosis during the 8-week follow-up. However, we observed new bone formation in sides treated with the SF-BC composite plate, and bony defects were completely healed within 8 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SF-BC composite plate is a potential candidate for a new bioresorbable fixation system. Our composite material could considerably shorten bone regeneration time. Additional study of the control of biodegradability and mechanical properties of SF-BC composite plates and a comparative study with the resorbable plates currently in use should be undertaken.
authors.affiliation: Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, Hallym University, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ji Heui
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ok Joo
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Chan Hum
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000091:Acetobacter / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D005349:Fibroins / Q000737:chemistry; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D047011:Silk / Q000737:chemistry; D013718:Tensile Strength; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D047011:Silk; D002482:Cellulose; D005349:Fibroins