Bone regeneration using titanium nonwoven fabrics combined with fgf-2 release from gelatin hydrogel microspheres in rabbit skull defects.

The objective of this study was to modify titanium nonwoven fabrics (Ti) with a hydroxyapatite (HA)-like coating and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 combination, and evaluate the bone regeneration potential of the modified Ti. Biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres (GM) were prepared as a carrier matrix for the controlled release of FGF-2. Ti, HA-coated Ti (Ti-HA), and Ti-HA incorporating GM (Ti-HA-GM) infused FGF-2 were applied to skull defects of rabbits. Then osteointegration in the Ti was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity, Ca(2+) content, and histological observation, and the hemoglobin content was assessed for angiogenic measurement. Ti-HA-GM promoted bone regeneration to a significantly greater extent than Ti, Ti-HA, or mixed Ti-HA and free FGF-2 6 weeks after application, and it also enhanced the hemoglobin content. It is concluded that the combination of HA-like coating and FGF-2 release promotes Ti induction of bone regeneration.