ABSTRACT
Introduction: Critical sized bone defects do not heal completely by themselves and require intervention by using bone grafts or scaffolds. Chitosan (CS) is a widely used biomaterial for bone regeneration. Ginkgo biloba (GB) leaf's extract is thought to be effective in stimulating bone cells differentiation. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles are commonly used as drug delivery vehicles. The PLGA nanoparticles were loaded with GB and incorporated in CS sponge scaffold.
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of GB loaded PLGA nanoparticles incorporated in CS scaffold on healing of critical sized bone defects in rabbit.
Materials and Methods: eighteen adult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (six rabbits each): Group A (Control group), Group B (CS group) and Group C (GB+PLGA+CS group). Critical sized bone defects were performed in the edentulous area of rabbit mandibles (diastema). Group A: defects were left empty, Group B: defects were filled with unloaded CS scaffold, while in group C: defects were filled with CS scaffold incorporated with GB loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Animals were euthanized four weeks after surgery and the results were evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically.
Results: GB loaded scaffold had a great effect on promoting regeneration of bone within the defects.
Conclusion: the GB loaded CS scaffold is effective in bone regeneration and the GB extract has an osteoinductive potential.
Keywords: Ginkgo biloba, PLGA nanoparticles, Chitosan, Bone defect, Bone regeneration Running title: Effect of GB-loaded CS scaffold on bone regeneration.