The Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Argon Plasma Treated Bovine Bone Substitute on Bone Regeneration

This study was undertaken to compare new bone formation between non-expired and expired bovine-derived xenogeneic bone substitute (expired, out-of-use period) and to evaluate the efficacy of argon (Ar)-based atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment on expired bone substitute in rat calvarial defect. The groups were divided into (1) Non/Expired group (Using regular xenografts), (2) Expired group (Using expired xenografts), and (3) Ar/Expired group (Using Ar-based APP treated expired xenografts). Surface observation and cell experiments were performed in vitro. Twelve rats were used for in vivo experiment and the bony defects were created on the middle of the cranium. The bone substitute of each group was implanted into the defective site. After 4 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed, and the volumetric, histologic, and histometric analyses were performed. In the results of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, Non/Expired and Ar/Expired groups were significantly higher than Expired group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the animal study (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, the surface treatment of Ar-based APP has a potential effect on the surface modification of bone grafts. However, there was no significant difference in bone regeneration ability between groups in vivo; thus, studies on APP to enhance bone regeneration should be carried out in the future.