Atelocollagen Enhanced Osteogenesis in a Geometric Structured Beta-TCP Scaffold by VEGF Induction

Abstract In order to establish the convertibility of a host for bone augmentation, we herein developed a new honeycombshaped β-tricalcium phosphate (37H) using atelocollagen as a scaffold, which exhibited unique geometric properties for in vitro and in vivo studies. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were cultured with 37H or atelocollagen-coated honeycomb-shaped β-tricalcium phosphate (Col37H), and their osteoblastic differentiation was then analyzed. Atelocollagen promoted cell adhesion and formation of vessel-like structures in the tunnels of scaffolds of cultured MSC. The mRNA expression levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin, and VEGF were greater in MSC cultured with Col37H than with 37H. Bone generation with Col37H in the rat calvaria was greater than with 37H, and this was attributed to early vessel construction. A large number of blood vessels invaded tunnels from the periosteum and existing bone surface. A strong VEGF signal was detected immediately before the new bone surface in the tunnels of Col37H. These results indicate that the addition of atelocollagen to Col37H has potential in the construction of functional artificial bone.