Three-dimensional nano-HAp/collagen matrix loading with osteogenic cells in organ culture

Transplantation of osteogenic cells with a suitable matrix is one strategy for engineering bone tissue. Three-dimensional distribution and growth of c ells within the porous scaffold are of clinical significance for the repair of large bony defects. A nano-HAp/collagen (nHAC) composite that mimics th e natural bone both in composition and microstructure to some extent was em ployed as a matrix for the tissue engineering of bone. A porous nHAC compos ite was produced in sheet form and convolved to be a three-dimensional scaf fold. Using organ culture techniques and the convolving method, we have dev eloped three-dimensional osteogenic cells/nHAC constructs ill vitro. Scanni ng electron microscopic and histological examination has demonstrated the d evelopment of the cells/material complex. Spindle-shaped cells migrating ou t of bone fragments continuously proliferated and migrated throughout the n etwork of the coil. The porous nHAC scaffold provided a microenvironment re sembling that seen ill vivo, and cells within the composite eventually acqu ired a tridimensional polygonal shape. In addition, new bone matrix was syn thesized at the interface of bone fragments and the composite. (C) 1999 Joh n Wiley & Sons, Inc.