Implantable matrixes of bacterial cellulose and strontium apatite: Preclinical analysis of cytotoxicity and osteoconductivity

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of native (BC) and oxidized (OBC) bacterial cellulose membranes associated with strontium apatite (SrAp) or calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), as alternatives for bone regeneration. The OBC was obtained through partial oxidation of BC, obtaining a polymeric degradable matrix into simulated body fluid. In vitro cell viability of the mineralized polymeric composites In vivo experiments to evaluate the osteoconductive were carried out by a critical size defect (CSD) of 8 mm in diameter in the skull and evaluated at the experimental times of 1 and 3 months after membrane placement. In vitro toxicity assays demonstrated that membranes containing SrAp were less toxic, showing viability above 70% for MC3T3 mouse cell line than those containing CaHA. Preclinical data showed that both membranes have low osteoconductivity as bone graft during the time investigated, at 90 days, with a new bone formation in a range of 5%, compared to the positive control. Oxidized BC membranes demonstrated intense degradation and may be more suitable as drug and/or resorbable membranes, while raw BC membranes are ideal for use as barrier membranes which are valuable properties for regenerative membranes. [Display omitted]