BACKGROUNDChitosan (CS) scaffolds combined with osteogenically induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be promising substitutes for repairing bone defects. Nevertheless, the bone-forming and scaffold-biodegrading processes are seldom studied. This study aimed to determine the osteogenic ability of CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites by observing the bone-forming process and explore the relationship between bone formation and scaffold biodegradation.

METHODSThe CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites (CS+cells group) and the CS scaffolds (CS group) were, respectively, implanted into SD rat thigh muscles. At 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively, the rat femurs were scanned by CT, and the CT values of the implants were measured and comparatively analyzed. Subsequently, the implants were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome, and the percentages of bone area, scaffold area, and collagen area were calculated and compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe imaging results showed that the densities of implants of the two groups gradually increased along with time, but the CT values of implants in the CS+cells group were much higher than in the CS group at the same time point (P < 0.05). The histological results showed that the de novo bone and collagen formed in the pores of the scaffolds and gradually increased since 2 weeks postoperation in both groups, and the scaffold gradually degraded along with the boneforming process. However, the comparative analysis results showed that the CS+cells group gained more de novo bone and collagen formation and had less scaffold than the CS group at the same time point (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe CS/osteo-induced BMSC composites are excellent bone tissue engineering substitutes, and the scaffold biodegradation is accordant with the bone formation.