INTRODUCTION: Significant development has been achieved with bioceramics and biopolymer scaffolds in the construction of artificial bone. In the present study, Chitosan– nanohydroxyapatite (CS/nHA) scaffolds have been developed as bone graft substitutes in rabbits with induced osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Chitosan- nanohydroxyapatite (CS/nHA) scaffold in bone tissue regeneration of extracted socket in rabbits with induced osteoporosis; using Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis [EDXA].
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty NewZealand white female rabbits were randomly divided into 2 equal groups; group A (osteoporosis) with no graft material, and group B (osteoporosis with CS/nHA). After the experimental period the animals were sacrificed at 2 & 4 weeks. The effect of CS/Nha was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersed x-ray analysis [EDXA]. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Scanning Electron Microscopic results revealed more trabecular bone thickness with regular bone surface, and uniform osteocyte lacunae in the group B (osteoporosis with CS/nHA) than group A (osteoporosis), and these results were proved by EDXA which showed more Ca and P ratio in the group B than group A.
CONCLUSIONS: CS/nHA scaffold is considered an effective hard tissue engineering material with sufficient interconnected porosity and mechanical strength to allow cell adhesion, migration, growth and proliferation resulting in good integration with surrounding tissues, and rapid bone healing, thus it might be used in osteoporotic condition.