The efficacy of double-tube polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate bioceramic composite in the treatment of bone defects

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to investigate the efficacy of double-tube polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic composites in the treatment of bone defects. Methods: Forty healthy female New Zealand white rabbits, aged 6–10 months and weighing about 3 kg, were randomly divided into observation group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20) according to the random number table. The animals in the observation group were implanted with double-tube PCL/β-TCP bioceramic composites, and the control animals were implanted with single-tube porous β-TCP bioceramic scaffolds. At 12 weeks' postoperatively, the osteogenic effects between two groups were compared by local X-ray film, local bone appearance, histology, osteogenic area per field, and compression strength measured after sacrifice. Results: At 12 weeks after surgery, X-ray, bone appearance, histological staining, and osteogenic area per field showed that the scores in the observation group were significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the compression strength of the regenerated bone in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The double-tube PCL/β-TCP bioceramic composite has promising therapeutic effects, osteogenic effect and mechanical properties in the treatment of bone defects, and thus may be of clinical significance.