Enhancement of tendon-bone healing via the combination of biodegradable collagen-loaded nanofibrous membranes and a three-dimensional printed bone-anchoring bolt.
A composite biodegradable polymeric model was developed to enhance tendon graft healing. This model included a biodegradable polylactide (PLA) bolt as the bone anchor and a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanofibrous membrane embedded with collagen as a biomimic patch to promote tendon-bone interface integration. Degradation rate and compressive strength of the PLA bolt were measured after immersion in a buffer solution for 3 months. In vitro biochemical characteristics and the nanofibrous matrix were assessed using a water contact angle analyzer, pH meter, and tetrazolium reduction assay. In vivo efficacies of PLGA/collagen nanofibers and PLA bolts for tendon-bone healing were investigated on a rabbit bone tunnel model with histological and tendon pullout tests. The PLGA/collagen-blended nanofibrous membrane was a hydrophilic, stable, and biocompatible scaffold. The PLA bolt was durable for tendon-bone anchoring. Histology showed adequate biocompatibility of the PLA bolt on a medial cortex with progressive bone ingrowth and without tissue overreaction. PLGA nanofibers within the bone tunnel also decreased the tunnel enlargement phenomenon and enhanced tendon-bone integration. Composite polymers of the PLA bolt and PLGA/collagen nanofibrous membrane can effectively promote outcomes of tendon reconstruction in a rabbit model. The composite biodegradable polymeric system may be useful in humans for tendon reconstruction.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Ying-Chao
YC
Chou
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Wen-Lin
WL
Yeh
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University.
Chien-Lin
CL
Chao
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Yung-Heng
YH
Hsu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Yi-Hsun
YH
Yu
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Jan-Kan
JK
Chen
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Shih-Jung
SJ
Liu
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011817:Rabbits; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D003094:Collagen
3D printing; PLA; PLGA; bone-anchoring bolts; collagen; polylactide; polylactide-polyglycolide nanofibers; tendon healing