Poly(D,L-lactide/epsilon-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite composites as bone filler: an in vivo study in rats

In this study, a novel composite bone substitute was implanted in animal models (rats) and their in vivo characteristics were examined. A D,L-lactide and E-caprolactone copolymer (Mw: 80,000; Mn:40,000, and PI:2.00) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the respective dimers using stannous octoate as the catalyst. The final ratio of D,L-lactide to epsilon-caprolactone obtained by 1NMR was 60/40. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was loaded in the copolymer. The HA/copolymer ratio was 60/40 (w/w). These composites were easily shaped by hand. Animal tests were performed on mature wistar rats (n=30). Defects were created on the proximal, the thickest part of the femur. The bone defects of the first group were filled with polymer/HA composite, the second group filled with only HA and the third group was left empty. Histologic examination of bone tissues showed new bone formation around the yellow-green polymer/HA composite material in the first group of animals whereas no evidence of new bone growth was observed in other groups.