Study of latex membrane with calcium beta-triphosphate (beta-TCP) in micrometric and nanometric scales in bone repair

Abstract

To evaluate the repair process in critical-size defects (CSDs) created in the calvaria o rabbits, which will be treated with latex membrane or latex membranes incorporated with ²-TCP in either micrometric or nanometric scales. Materials and methods: Four CSDs will be surgically created in the calvaria of thirty-six rabbits (New Zeland). For each animal, the 4 CSDs will be evaluated in accordance with each treatment: Group I (latex membrane); Group II (latex membrane incorporated with microparticulate ²-TCP); Group III (latex membrane incorporated with nanoparticulate ²-TCP); and Group IV (blood clot). Six animals per group/period of euthanasia (4 and 8 weeks) will receive intramuscular injection of alizarin and calcein. The animals will be euthanized at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Analyzes: Prior to the surgical procedures, the tested membranes will be subjected to physio-chemical, morphological, and mechanical characterization by using the following analyzes: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction; infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. In vitro analyzes of toxicity, hemolytic activity, and cell culture of osteoblasts will be performed. With regard to the in vivo experiment, the mineralized tissues will be analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), laser confocal microscopy, and histometry. Demineralized specimens will be subjected to histologic, histometric, and immunohistochemical analyzes. Keywords: Biomaterials, Latex Membrane, Calcium Phosphates, Bone Repair, Tissue Engineering. (AU)