RESUMO A obtenção de scaffolds bioativos a partir da blenda polimérica de poli (ácido láctico-co-glicólico) (PLGA) e poliisopreno (IR) com diferentes adições de Hidroxiapatita (HAp) é proposta como uma alternativa à engenharia de tecidos. Para o preparo das soluções poliméricas, a blenda de PLGA/IR e a HAp foram dissolvidas em clorofórmio. Posteriormente, o scaffold foi processado por electrospinning, variando-se a distância entre a seringa e o coletor. As amostras foram caracterizadas quanto a composição química e estrutural por potencial zeta, difração de raios-X (DRX) e espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Para avaliação da morfologia usou-se a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e para o comportamento citotoxicológico utilizou-se a metodologia de analises de viabilidade celular. O valor de potencial zeta da HAp foi de -22 mV e o FTIR e DRX foram condizentes com a literatura. As imagens de MEV permitiram a análise do tamanho médio e desvio padrão das fibras obtidas, comprovando uma diferença significativa entre as amostras. O ensaio de citotoxicidade mostrou que o produto obtido é biocompatível, porém as amostras com menor formação de fibras são menos biocompatíveis. Os resultados demonstraram a ampla influência da distância entre o coletor e a ponta da seringa e da relação blenda/HAp, sendo que o scaffold obtido com a maior distância coletor/seringa e maior relação HAp/blenda apresentou fibras com tamanho médio menores e maior homogeneidade e baixa citotoxicidade celular.

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is the obtainment of bioactive scaffolds from poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyisoprene (IR) polymer blends with different additions of hydroxyapatite (HAp) as an alternative for tissue engineering. For the preparation of the polymer solutions, the PLGA/IR blend and the HAp were dissolved in chloroform. Subsequently, the scaffold was processed by electrospinning, varying the dis-tance between the syringe and the collector. Scaffolds chemical and phase composition were characterized by zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphology and for the cytotoxic behavior the cellular viability analysis methodology was used. The zeta potential value of the HAp was -22 mV and the FTIR and XRD were consistent with the literature. The SEM images allowed the analysis of the mean size and standard deviation of the obtained fibers, demonstrating a significant difference among the samples. The results showed the great influence of the distance between the collector and the tip of the syringe and the blend/HAp ratio, and the scaffold obtained with the largest collector/ syringe distance and the highest HAp/blend ratio showed fibers with a smaller mean size and greater homogeneity and low cellular cytotoxicity.

<sec><title>PURPOSE:</title><p> To evaluate experimental cranial vault reconstructions, by combining bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) and different matrices.</p></sec><sec><title>METHODS:</title><p>Fourty-nine animals were initially included (seven per group). We designed an experimental, open, prospective and comparative study, divided in seven groups: 1 - BMP-2+calcium phosphate (BT); 2 - BMP-2+acellular dermal matrix (BM); 3 - BMP-2+calcium alginate (BA); 4 - TCP; 5 - MDM; 6 - ALG; 7 - Bone autograft (BAG). A bone failure was created in left parietal bone of adult male mice. At the same procedure reconstruction was performed. After five weeks, animals were sacrificed, and reconstruction area was removed to histological analysis. After exclusion due to death or infection, thirty-eight animals were evaluated (BT=5; BM=6; BA=6; TCP=7; MDM=3; ALG=6; BAG=5).</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTS:</title><p> A higher incidence of infection has occurred in MDM group (57%, P=0.037). In cortical fusion, groups BAG, TCP, and BMP-2+TCP (BT) obtained the best scores, comparing to the others (P=0.00846). In new bone formation, groups BT, BAG, and TCP have presented the best scores (P=0.00835). When neovascularization was considered, best groups were BMP-2+MDM (BM), BMP-2+ALG (BA), TCP, and MDM (P=0.001695). BAG group was the best in bone marrow formation, followed by groups BT and TCP (P=0.008317).</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS:</title><p> Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 increased bone regeneration in experimental skull reconstruction, especially when combined to calcium phosphate. Such association was even comparable to bone autograft, the gold-standard treatment, in some histological criteria.</p></sec>

Hydrogels have been extensively explored for biomedical applications due to their ability to absorb high water content in its structure, which gives excellent biocompatibility. This work aims at obtaining biocompatible hydrogels with potential for use in increasing the mechanical strength of bone substitutes, or controlled drug release. Poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization with and without the addition of acrylic acid. Azobisisobutyronitrile and ammonium persulfate were used as initiator and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide was used as the crosslinking agent. The characterization of the hydrogels was performed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy and swelling properties. The results obtained demonstrate different degrees of crosslinking and swelling of up to 490 ± 30%. The different properties of the hydrogels suggest different applications.

Após a remoção do volume ocular ou de seu conteúdo, o implante de esferas de diferentes tipos de materiais previne a concentração da cavidade orbital. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a esfera de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA), utilizado como implante intraocular em coelhos submetidos evisceração. Doze coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia foram submetidos evisceração unilateral do olho esquerdo, com posterior implantação da esfera de PMMA com 12 mm de diâmetro. A avaliação clínica foi realizada diariamente nos primeiros 15 dias após a cirurgia e em intervalos de 15 dias até o final do período de estudo (180 dias). Para análise histopatológica, três animais por período experimental foram submetidos enucleação aos 15, 45, 90 e 180 dias após a evisceração. Não foi observada deiscência da ferida, sinais de infecção ou extrusão do implante em nenhum dos animais durante todo o período do estudo. O exame histológico revelou a formação de tecido fibrovascular ao redor dos implantes. O PMMA comportou-se como material inerte e não- integrável.

Spheres of different types of material are used for the replacement of lost volume after removal of the eye bulb or its content to prevent contraction of the orbital cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scope of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) used as intraocular implant in eviscerated rabbit eye. Twelve New Zealand rabbits underwent unilateral evisceration of the left eye, with subsequent implantation of PMMA sphere 12 mm in diameter. Clinical evaluation was performed daily during the first 15 days after surgery and every 15 days until the end of the study period (180 days). For the histopathological analysis, three animals per trial underwent enucleation at 15, 45, 90 and 180 days after evisceration. There was no wound dehiscence, signs of infection or implant extrusion in any animal throughout the study period. Histological examination revealed the formation of fibrovascular tissue around the implants. The PMMA behaved as inert and non-integrable.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito do cimento α-TCP combinado com PRP sobre a osteogênese, comparando os resultados com PRP utilizado isoladamente. MÉTODOS: Foi confeccionado defeito bilateral no fêmur de ratos e preenchido com um dos dois tipos de tratamentos (PRP ou α-TCP+PRP), sendo avaliado em quatro e oito semanas. As imagens radiográficas forneceram valores da área da lesão, e a histologia (coloração Picrosirius) indicou a área de neoformação óssea. RESULTADOS: As médias referentes à área de lesão do grupo α-TCP+PRP (2,64mm² ± 2,07 e 1,91mm² ± 0,93; quatro e oito semanas, respectivamente) demonstraram numericamente melhores resultados, porém não significativos (p > 0,05), em comparação com aqueles observados no grupo PRP (5,59mm² ± 2,69 e 3,23mm² ± 1,46; quatro e oito semanas, respectivamente). As médias de neoformação óssea foram de 62,7% ± 12,1% e 79,01% ± 6,25 no grupo PRP, e 73,3% ± 12,7 e 85,86% ± 10,45 no grupo α-TCP+PRP, em quatro e oito semanas, respectivamente (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados deste estudo sugerem que o tratamento com cimento α-TCP combinado com PRP não demonstra diferença significativa quando comparado ao PRP isolado. Entretanto, há um possível efeito precoce sobre a regeneração óssea quando os dois biomateriais são aplicados em conjunto.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) cement combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on osteogenesis, and to compare the results with use of PRP alone. METHODS: A bilateral defect was produced in rat femurs and was filled with one of two types of treatments (PRP or α-TCP + PRP). The outcomes were evaluated after four and eight weeks. Radiographic images provided values for the lesion area, and histology (picrosirius staining) indicated the area of new bone formation. RESULTS: The means relating to the lesion area of the α-TCP + PRP group (2.64 ± 2.07 and 1.91 ± 0.93 mm², after four and eight weeks, respectively) showed numerically better but non-significant results (p > 0.05) than those seen in the PRP group (5.59 mm ² ± 2.69 and 3.23 ± 1.46 mm ², after four and eight weeks, respectively). The mean new bone formation rates were 62.7% ± 12.1 and 79.01% ± 6.25 in the PRP group, and 73.3% ± 12.7 and 85.86% ± 10.45 in α-TCP + PRP group, after four and eight weeks, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data from this study suggest that treatment with α-TCP cement combined with PRP does not show any significant difference in comparison with PRP alone. However, there is a possible early effect on bone regeneration when the two biomaterials are applied together.

Realizaram-se artrodeses carpais em dois gatos como forma de tratamento para alterações severas na articulação carpiana. A hidroxiapatita foi empregada para preenchimento do espaço articular do carpo. Os animais foram encaminhados ao Serviço de Ortopedia do Hospital Veterinário, UNESP, Campus de Jaboticabal, São Paulo - Brasil. O animal 1, Siamês, 10 anos de idade, apresentava apoio inadequado do membro torácico esquerdo, dor, hiperextensão, instabilidade, luxação, degeneração articular e osteartrite da articulação radiocárpica. O animal 2, sem raça definida, 8 meses de idade, apresentava apoio inadequado do membro torácico direito, hiperflexão da articulação cárpica, contração dos tendões da região carpiana, rotação externa do olécrano e o membro voltado para dentro. Foram aplicados fixadores esqueléticos externos (tipo IIb) com barras de polimetilmetacrilato, em ambos os casos. As avaliações clínicas e radiográficas após os procedimentos, demonstraram que a hidroxiapatita é uma alternativa promissora como substituto para os enxertos ósseos.

Severe disorders of the carpus in two cats were treated with arthrodesis. Hydroxyapatite was usage in filling up of the joint space in the carpus. Both cats were sent to the Orthopedic Service of the Veterinary Hospital, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo - Brazil. The first cat, a Siamese, 10 years old, showed hyperextension movements and luxation of the carpus joint and pain with inadequate support of the left thoracic limb. It was also observed joint degeneration and osteoarthritis. The second animal, a domestic shorthair, 8 months of age, showed inadequate support of the right thoracic limb with hyperflexion of the carpus joint and contractures of the carpus flexor tendons. A modified trans-articular external skeletal fixator (tipe IIb) with methylmethacrylate bars was utilized in these cases. The clinical and radiographic evaluations of the joints after the surgical procedure proved that the hydroxyapatite can be used as an promising alternative to cancellous bone grafts.