Geometry of Artificial ECM: Sizes of Pores Controlling Phenotype Expression in BMP-Induced Osteogenesis and Chondrogenesis

This study aims to elucidate the feasible geometry of the scaffolds in bone and periodontal tissue engineering. Several biomaterials with different geometries are compared in terms of their patterns of ectopic BMP-induced chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. The materials include a honeycomb-shaped hydroxyapatite (HCHAP) with different tunnel sizes, a laser-perforated collagen membrane (LPM), and CPSA bioglass fibers. Implanted pellets were removed at 1-4 weeks and analyzed for bone and cartilage formation histologically and biochemically. Porous particles of hydroxyapatite (PPHAP), porous blocks of hydroxyapatite (PBHAP), and LPM did not induce detectable cartilage formation. In straight tunnel structures with various diameters in honeycomb-shaped hydroxyapatite (HCHAP), tunnels with smaller diameters (approximately 0.1 mm) induced cartilage followed by bone formation, while one with a larger diameter (0.35 mm) directly induced bone formation within the tunnels. It is concluded that the "vasculature-inducing geometry" of the carrier as an ECM is crucially important for osteogenesis.