Objectives. Bone defects make up a significant clinical problem. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the osteogenic tissue behavior in a titanium (Ti) porous scaffold with immobilization of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) -2 in vivo.
Methods. Ti scaffold (pore size: 200-500 µm) with or without BMP-2 immobilization was implanted into a created defect of a rat femur.
Results. One week after implantation, only bone marrow cells were present around the scaffold without BMP, but new bone formation could be observed around the scaffold with BMP. Two weeks after implantation, new bone tissue had formed around the scaffold with and without BMP-2 immobilization.
Conclusions. Ti porous scaffold with BMP-2 immobilization can manufacture new bone tissue at an early stage, and can be a beneficial in the repair of bone defects.
Key words: Ti, porous, scaffold, BMP-2, O2-plasma treatment