PLGA and PCL investigated as stem-cell scaffold components for regeneration of human thumb

PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) provides a wide array of PLGA and PCL polymers. Recently these types of polymers were investigated as part of a stem-cell loaded scaffold for use in regenerating lost bone materials in thumb or fingers. As part of the study human bone was grown on these scaffolds in mice and tested for its strength and for bone tissue formation. Read more: Weinand, C., E. Weinberg, C. M. Neville, R. Gupta, F. Shapiro, and J. P. Vacanti. "LOP29: Human Stem Cells and Hydrogel β-TCP/PCl versus Hydrogel β-TCP/PLGA Scaffolds in Human Thumb Regeneration." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 134, no. 2 (2014): 389.  http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2014/08000/LOP29___Human_Stem_Cells_and_Hydrogel___TCP_PCl.98.aspx

“Abstract: Introduction: The absence of the thumb from either trauma or congenital defect renders a patient in severe disability and loss of function in daily life. What is the best B-TCP based biomaterial for tissue engineering human thumb bones? Material and Methods: In our experiment, we used three-dimensional printed (3DP) scaffolds from a CT scan of a human distal phalanx to test ability to support bone formation in vivo.  Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were expanded, suspended in collagen I and fibrin glue hydrogel and applied onto 3DP B-TCP/PCL or B-TCP/PLGA scaffolds. Acellular constructs and scaffolds only served as controls. Constructs were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice for 6 weeks. Samples were then evaluated using high resolution VCT scanning, histologically by Toluidin blue, van Kossa, and alkaline phosphatase stain and biomechanically. Results: In vivo high resolution VCT scanning revealed densities closer to native bone in cellular B-TCP/PLGA specimens than in B-TCP/PCL specimens. Histologically collagen I hydrogel B-TCP/PLGA specimens had superior bone tissue, although radiopacities were detected in collagen I and Fibrin glue B-TCP/PCL samples. Biomechanical compression testing, however showed higher stiffness in cellular B-TCP/PCL collagen I than in B-TCP/PLGA. Expression of bone specific proteins was highest in cellular B-TCP/PLGA collagen I specimens. Statistical analysis confirmed high correlations between volumetric CT and biomechanical values and expression of bone specific proteins. Conclusion: This new approach could be potentially used in the surgical reconstruction for patients with bone loss of the hand.”