Optimization of Fluorapatite/Bioactive Glass Nanocomposite Foams as Bone Tissue Scaffold: An in Vivo Study

Abstract

The present study investigated the suitability of nanocomposite foams of fluorapatite and bioactive glass (FA /BG) in different weight ratios as scaffolds for bone tissue in rat tibia regeneration to determine the optimal composition. FA and BG nano powders with a weight ratio of 25% FA/75% BG (compound 1) and 75% FA/25% BG (compound 2) were used as precursors for gel casting to produce nanocomposite foams. Thirty rats were randomly divided into two equal groups. Disk-shaped samples of each compound were implanted into the tibias of 15 rats. After 15, 30, or 60 days, five rats from each group were sacrificed and subjected to radiological, histopathological, and histomorphometrical examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. No foreign body reaction was observed in either group at all intervals, and the bone-biomaterial junction was direct. Overall, the inflammation rate, and the number of blood vessels, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts decreased over time in both groups. However, the number of osteocytes, trabecular bone thickness, and the percentage of new bone formation increased, in contrast to the remaining biomaterial percentage. Most of the changes in the group implanted with compound 2 were significantly more significant and faster than in the other group. Although the composite with the higher percentage of FA was superior to the composite with the higher percentage of BG, considering the results of our previous similar studies, the composite with the same percentage of FA and BG is more favorable to be used as a substitute for bone tissue in the body.