Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of a scaffold containing wollastonite/β-TCP for bone repair in a rabbit tibial defect model

Scaffolds are models designed to aid the interaction between cells and extracellular bone matrix, providing structural support for newly formed bone tissue. In this work, wollastonite with β-tcp porous ceramic scaffolds were developed by the polymer sponge replication. Their microstructure, cell viability and bioactivity were tested. In vivo was performed to evaluate the use of a calcium silicate-based implant in the repair of rabbit tibias. Holes were made in the both proximal and distal tibial metaphysis of each animal and filled with calcium silicate-based implant, and in the left tibia, no implant were used, serving as control group. Animals underwent euthanasia after 30 and 60 days of study. The animals were submitted to clinical-radiographic evaluations and its histology were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscope. The studied calcium silicate implant provided biocompatibility and promoted bone formation, stimulating the process of bone repair in rabbits, features observed by gradual radiopacity shown in the radiographic evaluations.