Strontium-enhanced chondroitin sulfate scaffold for improved bone regeneration: An experimental study in rats’ tibial bone defects

Objective To evaluate the potential of a novel strontium-chondroitin sulfate scaffold (SrCS) for promoting bone regeneration, considering the osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and the bone-affinitive, calcium-mimetic effects of strontium (Sr). Methods The CS and SrCS scaffolds were fabricated, and material characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy and cell viability MTT assay. Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, CS, and SrCS scaffold. Post anesthetization, an incision was made, and a hand drill was used to create a defect in the tibia. The control group was left empty, whereas the other groups were filled with CS and SrCS scaffolds, respectively, and sutured. The rats were euthanized at four weeks postoperatively, and the tibial samples were isolated for further investigation. Results Micro-CT samples showed increased bone volume, trabecular width, and porosity in the SrCS scaffold. Histological analysis done using hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides demonstrated the scaffold material along with the formation of a woven bone network, indicating the presence of immature bone at the defect area, showing the course of maturation and subsequent mineralization of the newly laid bone. Conclusions Strontium and chondroitin sulfate, in combination, have shown synergistic effects, which enhanced the bone volume and improved trabecular microarchitecture in rats.