Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold-free tissue-engineered periosteum in a rabbit model

Objectives: The periosteum plays an important role in bone regeneration. However, the harvesting of autogenous periosteum is associated with disadvantages such as donor site morbidity and limited donor sources. This study uses an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet to fabricate a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum (TEP). Material and methods: We generated an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet from rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) using a continuous culture system and harvested it using a scraping technique. Then, the in vitro characterization of the sheet was investigated using microscopy investigation, quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and RT‐PCR. Next, we demonstrated the in vivo osteogenic potential of the engineered sheet in ectopic sites together with a porous β‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic. Finally, we evaluated its efficiency in treating delayed fracture healing after wrapping the cell sheet around the mandible in a rabbit model. Results: The engineered periosteum showed sporadic mineralized nodules, elevated ALP activity, and up‐regulated gene expression of osteogenic markers. After implantation in the subcutaneous pockets of the donor rabbits, the in vivo bone‐forming capability of the engineered periosteum was confirmed by histological examinations. Additionally, when wrapping the engineered periosteum around a mandibular fracture gap, we observed improved bone healing and reduced amounts of fibrous tissue at the fracture site. Conclusion: The osteogenic predifferentiated BMSC sheet can act as a scaffold‐free TEP to facilitate bone regeneration. Hence, our study provides a promising strategy for enhancing bone regeneration in clinical settings. To cite this article: Ma D, Yao H, Tian W, Chen F, Liu Y, Mao T, Ren L. Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum in a rabbit model. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 1193–1199. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02091.x