Introduction: There are several occasions that a surgeon needs to perform bone grafting in the Maxillofacial region, such as when there are developmental defects and acquired defects due to trauma. Biological signals, degradable scaffolds, and host cells are used to induce the body's natural regenerative response and reinstate tissue function. Combining natural and synthetic polymers as scaffolds can increase cell interactions and provide mechanical stability. The effect of luteolin on extracellular matrix (ECM) in combination with a synthetic polymer has only been evaluated in skin tissue engineering. This study aimed to synthesize and assess the efficacy of a polycaprolactone-chitosan (PCL/CHT) polymer scaffold containing nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) loaded with luteolin for the regeneration of calvarial bone defects.
Method: In this histological study, 30 rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=5); 8 mm defects were created in each rat calvaria. The defects remained empty in group 1 (negative control), filled with scaffold in group 2 (positive control), and loaded with 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10% luteolin in groups 3 to 6, respectively. A combination of PCL with fish ECM and CHT was used to improve the polymeric properties of the scaffold. The rate of new bone formation (NBF) was assessed histomorphometrically at 8 weeks after surgery. After an in vitro assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of the scaffold and their agreement with native ECM requirements, an in vivo assessment of the PCL/CHT scaffold was conducted. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test.
Results: The rate of osteogenesis in the 0.01% luteolin-loaded scaffold group was significantly higher than that in the other concentrations (P=0.00). The lowest mean number of inflammatory cells was recorded in the 0.1% group; 0.01% luteolin was the most effective for calvarial bone regeneration in rats.
Conclusion: Proper luteolin concentration on the PCL/CHT/nHA scaffold can enhance osteogenesis in bone tissue regeneration.