Summary Statement. The present study demonstrates the beneficial effects of strontium (Sr) modified calcium phosphate cement to improve new bone formation in a metaphyseal osteoporotic fracture defects in rats compared to calcium phosphate cement and empty defects. Keywords: strontium, fracture, calcium phosphate, bone formation. Introduction. Impaired fracture healing with subsequent implant failure is a dramatic problem in osteoporotic fractures. Biomaterials are of interest to stimulate fracture healing in osteoporotic defects and the objective of the current study is to investigate the effects of Strontium modified calcium phosphate cement (SrCPC) in a critical-size metaphyseal fracture defect of osteoporotic rats compared to calcium phosphate (CPC) and empty defect control group. Methods. 45 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 3 groups: SrCPC, CPC and empty defect (n=15 for each). A combinatorial approach of multi-deficiency diet for 3 months after bilateral ovariectomy was used for induction of osteoporosis. Left femur of all animals underwent a 4mm wedge-shaped metaphyseal osteotomy that was internally fixed with a T-shaped plate. The defect was then either filled with CPC or SrCPC and internally stabilised with a T shaped mini-plate. Empty defect served as a control. After 6 weeks femora were harvested followed by histological, histomorphometrical, immunohistochemical (bone-morphogenic protein 2, osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin), and molecular biology analysis (alkaline phosphatase, collagen10a1 and osteocalcin) to demonstrate the effects of the biomaterials on new bone formation. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) technology was used to assess the distribution of released strontium ions and calcium appearance of newly formed bone. Results. Histomorphometric analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the bone formation at the tissue-implant interface in the SrCPC group (p<0.001). A statistically significantly more cartilage and unmineralised bone formation was also seen in the SrCPC group in comparision to the CPC group alone (p<0.05) and also to the empty defect (p<0.05) in the former fracture defect zone. These data were confirmed by the immunohistochemistry results which revealed an increase in bone-morphogenic protein 2, osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin and an increase in expression of genes responsible for bone formation viz. alkaline phosphatase, collagen10a1 and osteocalcin. TOF-SIMs analysis showed a higher release of Sr from the SrCPC into the interface region and related to a higher calcium content in this area compared to CPC. Discussion/Conclusion. SrCPC treatment showed enhanced new bone formation in a metaphyseal osteoporotic fracture defect of rats after 6 weeks compared to CPC-filled and empty defects in histomorphometry, immunochemistry and gene expression analysis. Strontium ranelate is a well-known anti-osteoporotic drug increasing bone formation and reducing bone resorption. As revealed by TOF-SIMS release of Sr out of the the SrCPC cement is most likely attributable for new bone formation. Therefore, Sr seems to be a good candidate not only for systemic treatment in osteoporosis but also in Sr-modification of biomaterials for local stimulation of new bone formation in osteoporotic fracture defects

Synthetic bone grafts are used in several major dental and orthopaedic procedures. Strontium, in the form of strontium ranelate, has been shown to reduce fracture risk when used to treat osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to compare bone repair in femoral condyle defects filled with either a 10% strontium substituted bioactive glass (StronBoneTM) or a TCP-CaSO4 graft. We hypothesise that strontium substituted bioactive glass increases the rate of bone ingrowth into a bone defect when compared to a TCP-CaSO4 ceramic graft. A critical size defect was created in the medial femoral condyle of 24 sheep; half were treated with a Sr-bioactive glass (StronBoneTM), and in the other animals defects were filled TCP-CaSO4. Two time points of 90 and 180 days were selected. The samples were examined with regard to: bone mineral density (BMD) from peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT), mechanical properties through indentation testing, and bony ingrowth and graft resorption through histomorphometry. The radiological density of Sr-bioactive glass in the defect is significantly higher than that of the TCP-CaSO4-filled defect at 90 and 180 days, (p=0.035 and p=0.000). At 90 days, the stiffness of the defect containing Sr-bioactive glass and is higher than that of the TCP-CaSO4 filled defect, (p=0.023). At 6 months there is no significant difference between the two materials. Histomorphometry showed no significant difference in bone ingrowth at any time point, however significantly more of the graft is retained for the StronBoneTM treatment group than the TCP-CaSO4 group at both 0 days (p=0.004) and 180 days (p=0.000). The amount of soft tissue within the defect was significantly less in the StronBoneTM group than for the TCP-CaSO4 group at 90 days (p=0.006) and 180 days (p=0.000). The data shows the mechanical stability of the defect site is regained at a faster rate with the strontium substituted bioglass than the TCP-CaSO4 alternative. Histomorphmetry shows this is not due to increased bone ingrowth but may be due to the incorporation of stiff graft particles into the trabeculae. Sr-bioactive glass produces a stronger repair of a femoral condyle defect at 3 months compared with TCP-CaSO4

Abstract. Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) for the management of bone defects in long bones is an established technique. Problems with bone regeneration are a common occurrence and literature is full of different modalities to enhance regenerate formation and quality. Strontium Ranelate (SR) has a dual mode of action and enhances bone formation in addition to decreasing osteoclastic activity. Due to this dual mode of action as well as ease of administration in a suspension form, it makes an ideal drug in scenarios where realignment of bone homeostasis towards positive bone balance is desirable. We studied the relationship of administration of SR with rate of regenerate progression, docking site union and complications associated with bone transport in 48 patients undergoing bone transport for management of bone defects. The findings of our retrospective observation study indicated that compliant use of SR was associated with good regenerate progression, decreased problems with docking site union and decreased the need for additional interventions

Worldwide 500,000 cases of maxillofacial cancer are diagnosed each year. After surgery, the reconstruction of large bone defect is often required. The induced membrane approach (Masquelet, 2000) is one of the strategies, but exhibits limitations in an oncological context (use of autografts with or without autologous cells and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins). The objectives of this work are to develop an injectable osteoinductive and osteoconductive composite matrix composed of doped strontium (Sr) hydroxyapatite (HA) particles dispersed within a polysaccharide scaffold, to evaluate in vitro their ability to stimulate osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and to stimulate in vivo bone tissue regeneration. HA particles were synthesized with different ratios of Sr. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), and particle size analysis (Nanosizer™) were used to characterize these particles. HA and Sr-doped HA were dispersed at different ratios within a pullulan-dextran based matrices (Autissier, 2010), Electronic scanning microscopy Back Scattering Electron microscopy (ESEM-BSE) and ICP were used to characterize the composite scaffolds. In vitro assays were performed using hMSC (cell viability using Live/Dead assay, expression of osteoblastic markers by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction). Matrices containing these different particles were implanted subcutaneously in mice and analyzed by Micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) and histologically (Masson's trichrome staining) after 2 and 4 weeks of implantation. XRD analysis was compatible with a carbonated hydroxyapatite and patterns of Sr-doped HA are consistent of Sr substitution on HA particles. Morphological evaluation (TEM and Nanosizer™) showed that HA and Sr-doped HA particles form agglomerates (150 nm to 4 µm). Matrices composed with different ratios of HA or Sr-doped-HA, exhibit a homogenous distribution of the particles (ESEM-BSE), whatever the conditions of substitution. In vitro studies revealed that Sr-doped HA particles within the matrix stimulates the expression of osteoblastic markers, compared to non-doped HA matrices. Subcutaneous implantation of the matrices demonstrated the formation of a mineralized tissue. Quantitative analyses show that the mineralization of the implants is dependent of the amount of HA particles dispersed, with an optimal ratio of 5% of particles. Histological analysis revealed osteoid tissue in contact to the matrix. In conclusion, the ability of this injectable composite scaffold to promote ectopically tissue mineralization is promising for bone tissue engineering. Osseous implantation in a femoral bone defect in rats is now in progress. 5% of doped HA particles were implanted within the induced membranes in a context of radiotherapy procedure. Micro-CT analyses are ongoing. This new matrix could represent an alternative to the autografts for the regeneration of large bone defects in an oncological context

Objectives. This systematic review aimed to assess the in vivo and clinical effect of strontium (Sr)-enriched biomaterials in bone formation and/or remodelling. Methods. A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, followed by a two-step selection process. We included in vivo original studies on Sr-containing biomaterials used for bone support or regeneration, comparing at least two groups that only differ in Sr addition in the experimental group. Results. A total of 572 references were retrieved and 27 were included. Animal models were used in 26 articles, and one article described a human study. Osteoporotic models were included in 11 papers. All articles showed similar or increased effect of Sr in bone formation and/or regeneration, in both healthy and osteoporotic models. No study found a decreased effect. Adverse effects were assessed in 17 articles, 13 on local and four on systemic adverse effects. From these, only one reported a systemic impact from Sr addition. Data on gene and/or protein expression were available from seven studies. Conclusions. This review showed the safety and effectiveness of Sr-enriched biomaterials for stimulating bone formation and remodelling in animal models. The effect seems to increase over time and is impacted by the concentration used. However, included studies present a wide range of study methods. Future work should focus on consistent models and guidelines when developing a future clinical application of this element. Cite this article: N. Neves, D. Linhares, G. Costa, C. C. Ribeiro, M. A. Barbosa. In vivo and clinical application of strontium-enriched biomaterials for bone regeneration: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:366–375. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.66.BJR-2016-0311.R1

Minimally invasive surgery for the restoration of bone tissues lost due to diseases and trauma is preferred by the health care system as the related costs are continuously increasing. Recently, efforts have been paid to optimize injectable calcium phosphate (CaP) cements which have been recognized as excellent alloplastic material for osseous augmentation because of their unique combination of osteoconductivity, biocompatibility and mouldability. The sol-gel synthesis approach appears to be the most suitable route towards performing injectable calcium phosphates. Different strategies used to prepare bioactive and osteoinductive injectable CaP are reported. CaP gels complexed with phosphoserine-tethered poly(ε-lysine) dendrons (G3-K PS) designed to interact with the ceramic phase and able to induce osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is discussed. Recently, attention has been given to the modification of hydroxyapatite with Strontium (Sr) due to its dual mode of action, simultaneously increasing bone formation (stimulating osteoblast differentiation) while decreasing bone resorption (inhibiting osteoclast differentiation). The effect of systems based on strontium modified hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) at different composition on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hMSC is described. One more approach is based on the use of antimicrobial injectable materials. It has been demonstrated that some imidazolium, pyridinium and quaternary ammonium ionic liquids (IL) have antimicrobial activity against some different clinically significant bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here, we report several systems based on IL at different alkyl-chain length incorporated in Hydroxyapatite (HA) through the sol-gel process to obtain an injectable material with simultaneous opposite responses toward osteoblasts and microbial proliferation

Osteoporosis is a major healthcare burden, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Manipulating bone homeostasis would be invaluable in treating osteoporosis and optimising implant osseointegration. Strontium increases bone density through increased osteoblastogenesis, increased bone mineralisation, and reduced osteoclast activity. However, oral treatment may have significant side effects, precluding widespread use. We have recently shown that controlled disorder nanopatterned surfaces can control osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. We aimed to combine the osteogenic synergy of nanopatterning with local strontium delivery to avoid systemic side effects. Using a sol-gel technique we developed strontium doped and/or nanopatterned titanium surfaces, with flat titanium controls including osteogenic and strontium doped media controls. These were characterised using atomic force microscopy and ICP-mass spectroscopy. Cellular response assessed using human osteoblast/osteoclast co-cultures including scanning electron microscopy, quantitative immunofluorescence, histochemical staining, ELISA and PCR techniques. We further performed RNAseq gene pathway combined with metabolomic pathway analysis to build gene/metabolite networks. The surfaces eluted 800ng/cm2 strontium over 35 days with good surface fidelity. Osteoblast differentiation and bone formation increased significantly compared to controls and equivalently to oral treatment, suggesting improved osseointegration. Osteoclast pre-cursor survival and differentiation reduced via increased production of osteoprotegrin. We further delineated the complex cellular signalling and metabolic pathways involved including unique targets involved in osteoporosis. We have developed unique nanopatterned strontium eluting surfaces that significantly increase bone formation and reduce osteoclastogenesis. This synergistic combination of topography and chemistry has great potential merit in fusion surgery and arthroplasty, as well as providing potential targets to treat osteoporosis

We have developed precision-engineered strontium eluting nanopatterned surfaces. Nanotopography has been shown to increase osteoblast differentiation, and strontium is an element similar to calcium, which has been proven to increase new bone formation and mineralization. This combination has great potential merit in fusion surgery and arthroplasty, as well as potential to reduce osteoporosis. However, osteoclast mediated osteolysis is responsible for the aseptic failure of implanted biomaterials, and there is a paucity of literature regarding osteoclast response to nanoscale surfaces. Furthermore, imbalance in osteoclast/osteoblast resorption is responsible for osteoporosis, a major healthcare burden. We aimed to assess the affect of strontium elution nanopatterned surfaces on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. We developed a novel human osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture system without extraneous supplementation to closely represent the in vivo environment. We assessed the surfaces using electron microscopy (SEM), protein expression using immunofluorescence and histochemical staining and gene expression using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In complex co-culture significantly increased osteoblast differentiation and bone formation was noted on the strontium eluting, nanopatterned and nanopatterned strontium eluting surfaces, suggesting improved osteointegration. There was a reduction in macrophage attachment on these surfaces as well, suggesting specific anti-osteoclastogenic properties of this surface. Our results show that osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation can be controlled through use of nanopatterned and strontium eluting surface features, with significant bone formation seen on these uniquely designed surfaces

The large bone defects with high risk of delayed bone union and pseudoarthrosis remain significant clinical challenge. Aim of the present study was the investigation of the critical size fracture healing process in transgenic mice using a novel beta-TCP scaffold. The luciferase transgenic mice strains (BALB/C-Tg(NF-kappaB-RE-luc)-Xen) and FVB/N-Tg(Vegfr2-luc)-Xen were used. Critical size fracture on femur was performed and stabilized using external fixation (RISystem). The fracture was bridged with a synthetic scaffold with and without Strontium. In consequence, the expression levels of NF-kappaB and VEGFR2 could be monitored in a longitudinal fashion using the Xenogen imaging system for two months. Animals were euthanized, serial section of femur were prepared, and the fracture sites were histologically examined. Sr reduced inflammation in the early phase of healing (15th days), but it was increased in the late healing stage. The level of VEGFR2 activity increases in the Sr doped beta-TCP group at the 15th day, the luciferase activity starts to decrease in this group and show significantly less activity compared to other groups in the second half. In the group without scaffold a connective tissue formation were observed. In both, beta-TCP and beta-TCP+Sr, the connection of newly formed tissue within integrated canals in scaffold was visible. Tissue formation in beta-TCP+Sr group was significantly higher than in the beta-TCP group, whereas the percentage of osseous tissue in relation to the newly formed tissue was in beta-TCP scaffold much more than in beta-TCP+ Sr groups. This study presents the first data regarding VEGFR2 and NF-kappB and angiogenesis activity profiles during fracture healing. The collected longitudinal data reduces the number of experimental animals in the study. Addition of strontium in scaffolds influenced the inflammation in different stage of the healing. This effect might influence the healing process and may prove to be advantageous for osteoporosis fracture healing

Introduction. Metal-on-metal bearings (MoM) have been reported to release metal ions that are potentially leading to adverse tissue reactions. Alternatively, ceramic-on-ceramic bearings (CoC) are an attractive treatment for young and active patients and composite materials like zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) have been successfully introduced clinically. One of the most common ZTA-material in CoC is the Biolox® delta, manufactured by Ceramtec. Along with alumina and zirconia, this material also contains traces of chromium, strontium and yttrium. The aim of this study was to analyse the ion release for these materials clinically as well as experimentally. Material and Methods. Within a clinical trial, three different patient groups were compared: a) a control group without any implants, b) patients, three months after unilateral treatment with Biolox® delta CoC and c) patients, twelve months after unilateral treatment with Biolox® delta CoC. Whole-blood samples were collected and analysed in regards to the trace elements using high-resolution-ICP-MS. In the experimental setup, the leaching behaviour of five Biolox® delta ceramic heads and five CoCr-heads was analysed. The heads were immersed in serum for seven days at 37°C. The ion-release of aluminium, zirconium, cobalt, chromium, strontium and yttrium were detected based on high-resolution-ICP-MS. Results. In the patient groups, most elements remained below their specific limit of detection (LoD), except for aluminium and strontium. For aluminium, the values of the control and the twelve- month group were below the LoD (27.2µg/L) and the three month values were only slightly increased (median: 34.2µg/L). For strontium median values of 39.7µg/L were found in the control group which were higher after three month (79.6µg/L) and returned to 41.1 µg/L after twelve months. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The leaching experiments showed that high amounts of cobalt (177.3µg/L) and chromium (4.2µg/L) were released from the metallic heads, which was not seen in the ceramic material. Similar to the patient control group, a seemingly high background-concentration of strontium was found in the serum (98.3µg/L) which was only slightly increased by the ceramic material (107.7µg/L). Discussion and Conclusion. The current study revealed that there was no significant increase of any analysed material or trace elements in the target patients treated with CoC bearings. The clinical trial also showed that strontium is a trace element that exists in the human body regardless of the presence or absence of an implant. However, with MoM high values of cobalt were released. As this release occurred even without any joint articulation, as shown in the experiments, surface corrosion seems to be a relevant mechanism in the ion release of MoM. A limitation of the study is that different patient groups were compared within the clinical trial

The implantation of endoprosthesis is a routine procedure in orthopaedics. Endoprosthesis are mainly manufactured from ceramics, polymers, metals or metal alloys. To ensure longevity of the implants they should be as biocompatible as possible and ideally have antibacterial properties, to avoid periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Various antibacterial implant materials have been proposed, but have so far only been used sporadically in patients. PJI is one of the main risk factors for revision surgeries. The aim of the study was to identify novel implant coatings that both exhibit antibacterial properties whilst having optimal biocompatibility. Six different novel implant coatings and surface modifications (EBM TiAl6V4, strontium, TiCuN, TiNbN, gentamicin phosphate (GP), gentamicin phosphate+cationic polymer (GP+CP)) were compared to standard CoCrMo-alloy. The coatings were further characterized with regard to the surface roughness. E. coli and S. capitis were cultured on the modified surfaces to investigate the antibacterial properties. To quantify bacterial proliferation the optical density (OD) was measured and viability was determined using colony forming units (CFU). Murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured on the surfaces and differentiated into osteoblasts to quantify the mineralisation using the alizarin red assay. All novel coatings showed reduced bacterial proliferation and viability compared to standard CoCrMo-alloy. A significant reduction was observed for GP and GP+CP coated samples compared to CoCrMo (OD. GP,E.coli. = 0.18±0.4; OD. GP+CP,E.coli. = 0.13±0.3; p≤0.0002; N≥7-8). An increase in osteoblast-mediated mineralisation was observed on all surfaces tested compared to CoCrMo. Furthermore, GP and GP+CP coated samples showed a statistically significant increase (M. GP. = 0.21±0.1; M. GP+CP. = 0.25±0.2; p<0.0001; N≥3-6). The preliminary data indicates that the gentamicin containing surfaces have the most effective antibacterial property and the highest osseointegrative capacity. The use of antibiotic coatings on prostheses could reduce the risk of PJI while being applied on osseointegrative implant surfaces

Background. Large bone defects still challenge the orthopaedic surgeon. Local vascularity at the site of the fracture has an important influence on the healing procedure. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and it's receptor (VEGFR2) are potent inducer of angiogenesis during the fracture healing. Aim of the present study was the investigation of critical size fracture (CSF) healing in VEGFR2-luc mice using tailored scaffolds. Methods. CSFs were performed and stabilised in mouse femur using an external fixator. The fracture was bridged using a synthetic 3D printed scaffold with a defined porosity to promote regeneration. The ß-tricalciumphosphate (ßTCP) and strontium doped ß-tricalciumphosphate (ßTCP+Sr) scaffolds were investigated for their regenerative potential. The expression levels of VEGFR2 could be monitored non-invasively via in vivo bioluminescence imaging for 2 months. After the longitudinal measurements the animals were euthanised for an in depth histological endpoint analysis. The different scaffold induced tissue regeneration was quantified for both, the ßTCP and the ßTCP+Sr group. Results. Expression levels of VEGFR2 were significantly higher in the ßTCP+Sr group when compared to the ßTCP, control and sham group. Both types of scaffolds significantly enhanced new bone formation when compared to the sham group. The ßTCP+Sr scaffolds showed a significantly greater regenerative potential. Conclusions. This standardised defect model mimics a clinically relevant situation to study the regenerative effects of biomaterials on bone. Moreover, the rate of regeneration correlates with the VEGFR2 expression levels, what affirms the usability of our method for longitudinal fracture healing studies. As in line with relevant literature, it could be shown that strontium does have an enhancing effect on bone regeneration. Consequently, strontium doped scaffolds might be a useful addition in the surgeon's spectrum of methods. Level of Evidence. Experimental

Background. Calcium sulfate and phosphate have a long clinical history of use as bone-void fillers (BVF) with established biocompatibility and resorption profiles. It has been widely reported that the addition of ‘impurity’ elements such as Silicon, Strontium and Zinc to calcium phosphate is advantageous, resulting in an improved bone healing response. Methods. This study examined the in vivo response of two formulations of calcium sulfate, as 3mm diameter hemispherical beads, in critical sized defects created in cancellous bone of distal femur and proximal tibia (10mm diameter × 13mm depth) in adult sheep; beads prepared from recrystallised pharmaceutical grade calcium sulfate (RPCS, Stimulan, Biocomposites Ltd, UK) and a lower purity medical grade material containing 1% strontium (SrCS). The animals were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and the surgical sites analysed using microCT and decalcified histology. Results. Radiographic analysis showed a slower resorption for SrCS compared to RPCS. Radiographic analysis for both materials confirmed little residual beads at three weeks post implantation. Radiographs at sacrifice confirmed no adverse reactions at any sites at 3, 6 and 12 weeks. Radiographic data alone was not adequate to determine the status of the bone formation and the implant resorption at the implant site. Histological analysis confirmed little or no adverse tissue reactions to either material. However, RPCS outperformed the modified material in terms of new bone formation at all time points post implantation. At 3 weeks histology for RPCS confirmed that residual beads were still visible with active new bone growth appearing to penetrate centripetally into the defect with some resorption of the implant material. By 6 weeks significant new bone was present throughout the defect. In comparison, absorption of the modified material was slower, and penetration of new bone into the defect was less progressed. Conclusions. The rapid bone regenerative ability of the recrystallised pharmaceutical grade calcium sulfate was demonstrated. The presence of 1% Strontium impurity acted to delay implant absorption and bone healing in this model

Over the last decades, biodegradable metals emerged as promising materials for various biomedical implant applications, aiming to reduce the use of permanent metallic implants and, therefore, to avoid additional surgeries for implant removal. However, among the important issue to be solved is their fast corrosion - too high to match the healing rate of the bone tissue. The most effective way to improve this characteristic is to coat biodegradable metals with substituted calcium phosphates. Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a resorbable bioceramic widely used as synthetic bone graft. In order to modulate and enhance its biological performance, the substitution of Ca2+ by various metal ions, such as strontium (Sr2+), magnesium (Mg2+), iron (Fe2+) etc., can be carried out. Among them, copper (Cu2+), manganese (Mn2+), zinc (Zn2+) etc. could add antimicrobial properties against implant-related infections. Double substitutions of TCP containing couples of Cu2+/Sr2+ or Mn2+/Sr2+ ions are considered to be the most perspective based on the results of our study. We established that single phase Ca3−2x(MˊMˊˊ)x(PO4)2 solid solutions are formed only at x ≤ 0.286, where Mˊ and Mˊˊ—divalent metal ions, such as Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and that in case of double substitutions, the incorporation of Sr2+ ions allows one to extend the limit of solid solution due to the enlargement of the unit cell structure. We also reported that antimicrobial properties depend on the substitution ion occupation of Ca2+ crystal sites in the β-TCP structure. The combination of two different ions in the Ca5 position, on one side, and in the Ca1, Ca2, Ca3, and Ca4 positions, on another side, significantly boosts antimicrobial properties. In the present work, zinc-lithium (Zn-Li) biodegradable alloys were coated with double substituted Mn2+/Sr2+ β-TCP and double substituted Cu2+/ Sr2+ β-TCP, with the scope to promote osteoinductive effect (due to the Sr2+ presence) and to impart antimicrobial properties (thanks to Cu2+ or Mn2+ ions). The Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) method was applied as the coating's preparation technique. It was shown that films deposited using PLD present good adhesion strength and hardness and are characterized by a nanostructured background with random microparticles on the surface. For coatings characterization, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy were applied. The microbiology tests on the prepared coated Zn-Li alloys were performed with the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli) bacteria strains and Candida albicans fungus. The antimicrobial activity tests showed that Mn2+/Sr2+ β-TCP -coated and Cu2+/Sr2+ β-TCP coated Zn-Li alloys were able to inhibit the growth of all five microorganisms. The prepared coatings are promising in improving the degradation behavior and biological properties of Zn-Li alloys, and further studies are necessary before a possible clinical translation

Background. The CoCrMo large bearings had shown a high failure rate, because of metal ion and particle release. Alumina matrix composite (AMC) ball heads have shown to mitigate such phenomena. The aim of this study was to investigate the leaching properties of AMC clinically as well as experimentally. Methods. Two patient groups were compared: a control group (n=15) without any implant (Controls) and 15 Patients with unilateral treatment with Biolox delta ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC). Whole-blood samples of Controls and Patients (after 3 and 12 months from treatment with CoC) were measured by means of trace element analysis using a HR-ICPMS. The leaching behaviour of BIOLOX delta was also analysed in-vitro: five Biolox delta heads and five CoCrMo heads were immersed in serum for seven days at 37°C. Aluminium, cobalt, chromium and strontium were detected based on HR-ICPMS. Results. In Patients, most elements remained below the limit of detection (LoD), except for aluminium and strontium. The aluminium values of Controls were below the LoD (27.2μg/L). The values of Patients after three months show a median of 34.2μg/L and after 12 months 37.1μg/L (p=0,510). Strontium ranged from 39.7μg/L of Controls and 79.6μg/L and 70.7μg/L of Patients, after three and twelve months, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0,322). The leaching experiments showed high amounts of cobalt (177.3μg/L) and chromium (4.2μg/L) released by CoCrMo. Ceramic heads didn't show any significant release. Conclusions. The current study revealed that there was no significant increase of any element in patients with CoC bearings. Metal heads released high values of cobalt in leaching test. As this release occurred even without any joint articulation, as shown in the experiments, surface corrosion seems to be a relevant mechanism in the ion release of metal bearings. A limitation of the study is that Controls differed from Patients within the clinical trial. Level of evidence. III

Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) have been widely studied as bone regeneration systems, due to their bioactivity and ability to store and release therapeutic agents with specific biological functions. The incorporation of these nanomaterials into a thermosensitive hydrogel (TSH), in which a solution undergoes a sol-gel transition under physiological conditions, represents a promising approach to design multifunctional devices able to deliver selected molecules to pathological sites. In fact, this system can perfectly fit the defect cavity shape prior to the complete gelation, and acts as a carrier for therapeutic agents prolonged release in situ. This challenging concept is the underlying idea of the MOZART project, whose objective was to develop a library of MBGs containing different therapeutic ions and drugs, to be used as a new, smart platform technology for highly targeted therapies to enhance bone healing. The aim of this work is to investigate the bone regeneration potential of MBGs containing strontium ions (pro-osteogenic) and incorporated into thermosensitive poly(etherurethane)(PEU) based on Poloxamer407. In order to further increase the pro-osteogenic response, MBGs were also loaded with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). MBGs containing 2%mol of Sr. 2+. were prepared by an aerosol-assisted spray-drying method and NAC was loaded post-synthesis via an incipient wetness method. The PEU hydrogel (SHP407) was synthesized via a two-step procedure in nitrogen atmosphere. Particles were characterized (FE-SEM, N. 2. adsorption-desorption analysis, TGA, DSC, FT-IR and XRD) and then incorporated into the hydrogel. The hybrid systems rheological properties and stability in aqueous environment at 37°C, and its ability to co-release Sr. 2+. and NAC were analysed. After preliminary biological in vitro tests, a proof-of-concept rodent study was run to assess the ability of the resulting formulation as bone healing device. X-ray at 2 and 4-weeks post-surgery and µCT-analysis were used to evaluate the healing results in a rat osteotomy model of biologically impaired healing. Then, bones were processed for histological evaluation. Preliminary in vivo results demonstrated that incorporation of MBGs into a TSH is a promising strategy to design a multifunctional injectable formulation for in situ and sustained delivery of pro-osteogenic species enhancing bone regeneration

Bone tissue engineering is a promising strategy to treat the huge number of bone fractures caused by progressive population ageing and diseases i.e., osteoporosis. The bioactive and biomimetic materials design modulating cell behaviour can support healthy bone tissue regeneration. In this frame, type I collagen and hydroxyapatite (HA) have been often combined to produce biomimetic scaffolds. In addition, mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) are known for their ability to promote the deposition of HA nanocrystals and their potential to incorporate and release therapeutic ions. Furthermore, the use of 3D printing technologies enables the effective design of scaffolds reproducing the natural bone architecture. This study aims to design biomimetic and bioactive 3D printed scaffolds that mimic healthy bone tissue natural features in terms of chemical composition, topography and biochemical cues. Optimised collagenous hybrid systems will be processed by means of extrusion 3D printing technologies to obtain high resolution bone-like structures. Protocols of human co-cultures of osteoblasts and osteoclasts will be developed and used to test the 3D scaffolds. Type I collagen has been combined with rod-like nano-HA and strontium containing MBGs (micro- and nano-sized particles) in order to obtain hybrid systems resembling the composition of native bone tissue. A comprehensive rheological study has been performed to investigate the potential use of the hybrid systems as biomaterial inks. Mesh-like structures have been obtained by means of extrusion-based technologies exploiting the freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) approach. Different crosslinking methods have been tested to improve final constructs mechanical properties. Both crosslinked and non-crosslinked biomaterials were cultured with human osteoblasts and osteoclasts to assay the hybrid matrix biocompatibility as well as its influence on cell behaviour. Homogeneous hybrid systems have been successfully developed and characterised, proving their suitability as biomaterial inks for 3D printing technologies. Mesh-like structures have been extruded in a thermo-reversible gelatine slurry, exploiting the sol-gel transition of the systems under physiological conditions. Covalent bonds between collagen molecules have been promoted by genipin treatment, leading to a significant increase in matrix strength and stability. The collagen methacrylation and the further UV-crosslinking are under investigation as alternative promising method to reinforce the 3D structure during the printing process. Biological tests showed the potential of the developed systems especially for genipin treated samples, with a significant adhesion of primary cells. Collagenous hybrid systems proved their suitability for bioactive 3D printed structures design for bone tissue engineering. The multiple stimuli provided by the scaffold composition and structure will be investigated on both direct and indirect human osteoblasts and osteoclasts co-culture, according to the developed protocols

For the treatment of irreparable meniscal injuries, we developed a novel multilayer meniscal scaffold, consisting of collagen, strontium and cellulose derived from Luffa Cylindirica; and we evaluated its effects on meniscal regeneration and arthritic changes in a rabbit partial meniscectomy model. The meniscus has a key role in shock absorbtion, load distribution, chondroprotection and stability of the knee joint. Meniscal injuries are one of the most common orthopedic injuries and may lead to degenerative cartilage changes and eventually osteoarthritis. Repair of the meniscal tissue is the treatment of choice for patients with a meniscus lesion, however, this is not always possible, especially for degenerative tears or injuries located on the inner avascular zone. To overcome the devastating outcomes of meniscectomy for such injuries, several materials have been developed and tried to replace the resected meniscal tissue. These scaffolds were designed primarily to relieve pain after meniscectomy, and later on were aimed to prevent osteoarthritis and cartilage damage that may develop in the future. In the quest for optimum scaffold material small intestine, tendons and other isolated tissues, collagen and polyurethane have been researched. Nevertheless, none of these materials have absolutely proven satisfying identical replacement of resected meniscal tissue. Therefore, we developed and investigated a novel multilayer meniscal scaffold, consisting of collagen, strontium and cellulose derived from Luffa Cylindirica (a cucumber shaped and sized plant, known as sponge gourd). The aim of the study was to evaluate the meniscal regeneration and arthritic changes after partial meniscectomy and application of novel multilayer meniscal scaffold in a rabbit model and to compare the results with clinically used polyurethane scaffold (Actifit, Orteq Ltd, London, UK). Sixteen male, mature, NewZealand rabbits weighing between 2600–3500 g were randomly divided into three groups. All groups underwent knee surgery via a medial parapatellar approach and a reproducible 1.5-mm cylindrical defect was created in the avascular zone of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus bilaterally. Defects were filled with the polyurethane scaffold in Group 1 and novel multilayer scaffold was applied to fill the defects in Group 2(n:6). Four rabbits in Group 3 did not receive any treatment and defects were left empty. Animals were sacrified after 8 weeks and bilateral knee joints were taken for macroscopic, biomechanical, and histological analysis. No signs of inflammation or infection were observed in all animals. Macroscopic evaluation of tibial plateaus after excision of menisci was performed with digital images of inked condylar surfaces. No significant degenerative changes were detected between groups. Digital photographs of excised menisci were also obtained and surface areas were measured by a computer software (Image J version 1.46, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD). There was a slightly larger meniscus area in the first two groups than the no treatment group, however, this was not found significant. Indentation testing of the tibial condyle and compression tests for the relevant meniscal areas with a diameter of 3mm was also performed in all groups. Histological analysis was made and all specimens were stained with safranin O and scored according to a scoring system. In this study, the initial evaluation of novel multilayer meniscal scaffold demonstrated promising biomechanical and histological results; besides no adverse events related to scaffold material was observed

Surgical failure, mainly caused by loosening implants, causes great mental and physical trauma to patients. Improving the physicochemical properties of implants to achieve favourable osseointegration will continue to be the focus of future research. Strontium (Sr), a trace element, is often incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HA) to improve its osteogenic activity. Our previous studies have shown that miR-21 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by the PI3K/β-catenin pathway. The aim of this study is to fabricate a SrHA and miR-21 composite coating and it is expected to have a favorable bone healing capability. Ti discs (20 mm diameter and one mm thickness for the in vitro section) and rods (four mm diameter and seven mm length for the in vivo section) were prepared by machining pure Ti. The Ti cylinders were placed in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave for treating at 150°C for 24 h to form SrHA layer. The miR-21 was encapsulated in nanocapsules. The miR-21 nanocapsules were mixed with CMCS powder to form a gel-like sample and uniformly coated on the SrHA modifed Ti. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on SrHA and miR-21 modified Ti, Cell proliferation activity and osteogenesis-related gene expression were evaluated. A bone defect model was established with mature New Zealand to evaluate the osseointegration. Cylindrical holes (four mm in diameter) were created at the distal femur and tibial plateau. Each rabbit was implanted with four of the aforementioned rods (distal femur and tibial plateau of the hind legs). After implantation for one, two and three months, the rabbits were observed by X-ray and scanned using u-CT. Histological and Immunohistochemical analysis were performed to examine the osteogenic markers. A biomechanical push-in test was used to assess the bone-implant bonding strength. Both SrHA nanoparticles with good superhydrophilicity and miR-21 nanocapsules with uniform sizes were distributed evenly on the surface of the Ti. In vitro experiments revealed that the composite coating was beneficial to osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization. In vivo evaluations demonstrated that this coating could not only promote the expression of angiogenic factor CD31 but also enhance the expression of osteoblastic genes to facilitate angio-osteogenesis. In addition, the composite coating also showed a decreased RANKL expression compared with the miR-21 coating. As a result, the SrHA/miR-21 composite coating promoted new bone formation and mineralization and thus enhanced osseointegration and bone-implant bonding strength. A homogeneous SrHA and miR-21 composite coating was fabricated by generating pure Ti through a hydrothermal process, followed by adhering miR-21 nanocapsules. This coating combined the favorable physicochemical properties of SrHA and miR-21 that synergistically promoted angiogenesis, osteogenesis, osseointegration, bone mineralization and thus bone-implant bonding strength. This study provided a new strategy for surface modification of biomedical implants

In order to evaluate the feasibility of zinc alloys as future biodegradable bone implant materials, the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, hemocompatibility, cell activity, proliferation and adhesion, in vivo animal implantation experiments have been employed. The experimental results show that the alloying element magnesium, calcium and strontium can significantly improve the mechanical properties of pure zinc, and further deformation processes can further improve the mechanical properties of zinc alloys. Alloying elements can effectively control the corrosion rates of zinc alloys, which are between the rates of magnesium alloys and iron alloys. Zinc and zinc alloys exhibit excellent hemocompatibility and the hemolysis rate is far lower than 5%. After adding alloying elements Mg, Ca and Sr, MG63 and ECV304 cell proliferation rate and activity increased significantly, while for VSMC cell, the influence of alloying elements effect is not obvious. Zinc alloy intramedullary pins can effectively promote the new bone formation, and after 2 months implanted in mice femur, they still maintained a relatively complete structure, indicating that they are able to provide enough mechanical strength and thus more conducive to bone tissue repair and healing