Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(04): A1-A35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810315
PODIUM ABSTRACTS

Self-Fitting Shape Memory Polymer Scaffolds for Treatment of Craniomaxillofacial Defects

L. K. Dobson
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
F. O. Beltran
2   Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
S. B. Gasson
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
M. R. Pfau-Cloud
3   Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
Z. T. Lawson
4   Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
R. R. Pool
5   Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
M. R. Moreno
3   Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
4   Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
M. A. Grunlan
2   Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
3   Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
6   Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
,
W. B. Saunders
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
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Introduction: Bioactive, self-fitting, shape memory polymers (SMP) are tuneable scaffolds that are press-fit into bone defects and stimulate bone healing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bone healing of two SMP formulations in vivo for craniomaxillofacial defects.

Materials and Methods: SMPs were fabricated in a 75:25 ratio with poly (ε-caprolactone; PCL) and poly (L-lactic acid; PLLA; Scaffold A), or 75:25 PCL-DA/linear-polydimethylsiloxane-dimethacrylate (PDMS-DMA; Scaffold B). Biocompatibility was assessed in Wistar rats. Calvarial defect healing was assessed using two defect sizes. Group 1 received bilateral 5.1 mm defects. Treatment groups included: defect control (no graft), calvarial allograft, Scaffold A, Scaffold A + rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs), Scaffold B, and Scaffold B + rMSCs. Healing was assessed at 4 weeks using µCT, histology, and push-out tests. The two best treatments were assessed in group 2 using an 8.0 mm defect at 12 weeks. Treatment groups included: defect control, allograft, and Scaffold A or B.

Results: Histology: SMPs were biocompatible in the subcutaneous space and within calvaria, encouraging bone healing in both groups. Bone healing: group 1: Scaffolds A and B (without rMSCs) produced the greatest quantitative bone healing. Scaffold A had the greatest push-out loads. Group 2: There were no differences in bone surface area between the SMPs and defect control; however, SMP bone volume was reduced compared with defect control. Differences were not detected in push-out testing between allograft control and SMPs.

Discussion/Conclusion: SMPs are biocompatible, facilitate bone healing, are mechanically stable, and are thus candidates for craniomaxillofacial defects.

Acknowledgment

Funded by NIH Award 1R01DE025886‐01A1.



Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025

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