Osteogenesis of Osteoblast Seeded Polyurethane‐Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds in Nude Mice

Biodegradable porous polyurethane (PU) scaffolds were used in a tissue engineering approach to create new bone. Two groups of elastomeric bioresorbable PU disks were seeded with osteoblasts and implanted into nude mice. One group had disks of pure PU while the other group had disks of PU- hydroxyapatite composite (PU-HA). After 5 weeks both groups showed radiographic and histologic evidence of significant bone formation. As the new bone formed it replaced the PU scaffolds. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward more bone formation in the PU-HA group. Bioresorbable PU shows promise for use in bone tissue engineering.