Tissue Response and Osteoconductive Properties of Forsterite/Poly Lactic Acid Hybrid Nano-composite Scaffold in Rat

<b>Objectives:</b> Objectives: The present research aimed to evaluate the potential of three-dimensional (3D) poly lactic acid (PLA) microstrut scaffolds, surface-modified with nanocomposite gelatin-forsterite fibrous layers possessing porosities of 40% and 70%, to facilitate bone regeneration and angiogenesis in a rat model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Thirty-six rats, each with a surgically created cranial defect measuring 4mm in radius, were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three experimental groups: A 40% scaffold group (G1), a 70% scaffold group (G2), and a control group receiving no scaffold (G3). Animals were euthanized at either 4 or 8 weeks post-surgery. Histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe the tissue response and bone formation within the surgical defects. Histomorphometric assessment was employed to quantify the percentage of newly formed woven and lamellar bone in each group. <b>Results:</b> The mean percentages of total bone formation at 4 weeks were 33.55±4.32%, 37.76±6.20%, and 33.66±2.30% in groups G1, G2, and G3, respectively. At 8 weeks, the corresponding mean percentages were 34.25±1.94%, 37.33±4.30%, and 35.16±3.68% for the same groups. Statical analysis revealed a significant difference in angiogenesis between G1and G2 at 8 weeks (p≤0.01). <b>Conclusion:</b> Our findings demonstrated that the fabricated scaffold exhibited the capacity to facilitate osseous tissue development and promote osteoblast adhesion and infiltration. The scaffolds with 70% porosity showed superior performance in total bone formation compared to those with 40% porosity. This novel scaffold design holds promise for enhancing both angiogenesis and osteogenesis processes.