Nano-hydroxyapatite/fibrin glue/recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 artificial bone for repair of bone defect in an animal model

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), with similar components of human bone tissues and good biomechanical properties, is considered as the most promising bioactive material. Its application, however, is still limited because of its lack of bone induction effect. To assess the ability of polypro nano-HA/fibrin glue/recombination human osteogenic protein-1 (nano-HA/FG/rhOP-1) for bone defect reconstruction. After the unilateral radius bone defect was established at the 45 New Zealand white rabbits, they were randomly divided into the nano-HA/FG/rhOP-1 (Group A), nano-HA/FG (Group B) and control groups (Group C; without repair), each with 15 rabbits. The ability of bone defect repair was evaluated by gross observation, X-ray radiography, scanning electronic microscope, radionuclide bone imaging and biomechanical analysis at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after repair. The radio graphically score, bone formation, radionuclide intake ratio and biomechanical strength were higher in the nano-HA/FG/rhOP-1 group than the nano-HA/FG and control groups at 4, 8 and 12 weeks (P<;0.05). There were no bone connection at the defect site and the bone defect was reconstructed in the control group. It is indicated that the nano-HA/FG/rhOP-1 artificial bone has good osteoconductibility and is a promising material for repair of bone defect.