Biocompatibility of fber‑reinforced composite (FRC) and woven‑ coated FRC: an in vivo study

Abstract

Objectives To investigate biocompatibility and bone contact area of FRC and woven-coated FRC (FRC-C) in rats. Materials and methods Sixty rats were allocated to three groups: FRC (n=20), FRC-C (n=20), and control group (n=20). Subgroups were determined as 4th (n=10) and 12th weeks (n=10). The specimens were placed in the femur of rats. In the control group, the bone defects were left empty and sutured. Four and 12 weeks after implantation, the rats were sacrifced. Histopathological examinations were performed in a semi-quantitative manner. Twenty rats (n=20) were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. Bone contact surfaces were calculated in SEM analysis. A chi-square test was performed to analyze the data. Results No statistical diference was detected between the 4th and 12th weeks in the quality of bone union. Quality of bone union was lower in FRC compared to the control group in the 4th week (p=0.012) and the 12th week (p=0.017). The periosteal reaction at the 12th week was lower in FRC than in the control group (p=0.021). Bone contact of FRC and FRC-C was 85.5% and 86.3%, respectively. Conclusions FRC and FRC-C were biocompatible and showed no infammation. The woven coating did not increase the quality of bone union and bone contact area, while not reducing biocompatibility. Clinical relevance The biocompatibility and good bone response of the woven glass fber net were demonstrated to have the potential as a scafold for the augmentation of alveolar bone defciencies and the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects.