Effect of cell-seeded polycaprolactone-based implants on regenerative processes in a jaw bone defect in rabbits

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: In modern regenerative medicine, the development of personalized biomedical cellular products for the replacement of bone tissue defects is crucial. Such products consist of a cellular component, a scaffold designed to retain cells and provide mechanical support, and auxiliary components. In vitro experiments do not adequately assess the effects of these constructs on bone regeneration or on the systemic response of the recipient organism. AIM: This study aimed to determine the outcomes of implanting scaffolds based on polycaprolactone, hydroxyapatite, and dental pulp stem cells into jaw bone defects in rabbits. METHODS: The study was conducted in Soviet (Russian) Chinchilla rabbits (n = 10) weighing 3.5–4.5 kg and aged 1–1.5 years bred under vivarium conditions. Four teeth were extracted from each animal (40 teeth in total), then the animals were divided into 5 groups. The regenerative outcomes were assessed after 4 months. To evaluate differences in the extent and rate of defect healing, histopathological examination of the implantation sites was performed. The degree of fibrosis, inflammation, and bone tissue remodeling was assessed in hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections, whereas the distribution pattern of implanted cells labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles was evaluated using Perls’ staining. RESULTS: At the implantation sites, scaffolds (both cell-seeded and cell-free) accelerated bone defect remodeling and fibrosis without the formation of coarse scar tissue. The most favorable combination of outcomes—namely minimal inflammation, the most advanced stage of bone tissue remodeling, and mature connective tissue formation at the implantation site—was observed in the group receiving copper-coated polycaprolactone scaffolds seeded with dental pulp stem cells. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the promise of this approach for the development of bioengineered constructs for the reconstruction of bone defects.

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