Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using chitin-coated fabrics in a rabbit model.

Experimental anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was carried out in a rabbit model, in which a chitin-coated polyester graft was used as the scaffold, and a noncoated graft was used as a control graft. After 8 weeks implantation, a mechanical test of the knee and histometric measurement of the graft and surrounding tissues were carried out. A tensile test of the femur-graft-tibia specimen showed that the knee treated with the coated graft had a peak resistance force of 42.

Biological fixation of fibrous materials to bone using chitin/chitosan as a bone formation accelerator.

Biological fixation or anchorage of fibrous materials to bone by bone ingrowth into the spaces between fibers is a major concern in developing novel medical implants, including artificial ligaments. Toward this end, we evaluated the efficacy of chitin/chitosan as a bone formation accelerator. Specimens of polyester nonwoven fabric coated with chitin/chitosan were implanted into holes drilled into the distal ends of rat femora.

Bone repair analysis in a novel biodegradable hydroxyapatite/collagen composite implanted in bone.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a biodegradable hydroxyapatite/collagen composite and to examine the use of the calcium ion contained for bone formation and growth. Surgical holes were prepared in the femora and tibiae of beagle dogs, and were filled with the hydroxyapatite/collagen composite labeled with alizarin red. After 4 weeks, calcein was administered to the experimental dogs.

Development of guided bone regeneration membrane composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) composites.

To create biodegradable and thermoplastic materials for guided bone regeneration, GBR, and guided tissue regeneration, GTR, membranes, composites of beta-tricalcium phosphate, TCP, and biodegradable polyesters, poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLGC, and poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLCL, were prepared by a heat-kneading method. The composites maintained thermoplasticity and mechanical strength by formation of a chemical interaction between Ca on TCP and C=O on the lactide segment of PLGC or PLCL. The composites also indicated composite effects in pH auto-regulation property and elongation of biodegradation period, e.

Bone-demineralized bone-bone graft for ligament reconstruction in rats.

Bone-tendon-bone (B-T-B) type grafts were prepared for ligament reconstruction by harvesting the radius from rats, wrapping both ends of each bone with a laboratory film leaving only the central 10 mm exposed, and demineralizing the central part by immersing the bone in 1.75% HCl solution. In the grafts prepared, the central part of the bone became semi-translucent and flexible while the ends remained as hard bone tissue, thus forming a B-T-B type graft.

Glutaraldehyde cross-linked hydroxyapatite/collagen self-organized nanocomposites.

To control the mechanical properties and biodegradability of self-organized hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) nanocomposites, cross-linkage was introduced into the composites with glutaraldehyde (GA). The HAp/Col composite suspensions, prepared by a simultaneous titration method and aged for 3h, were cross-linked with the reagents for 10min under vigorous stirring. The precipitates obtained were filtrated and compacted by dehydration under a uniaxial pressure.