The Effect of 58S Bioactive Glass Coating on Polyethylene Terephthalates in Graft-Bone Healing

In this study the effects of surface modification of Polyethylene Terephthalates (PET) fibers with 58S bioactive glasses on osteoblasts proliferation and osseointegration in the tibia-articular tendon-bone healing model were investigated. PET sheets were coated with 58S bioactive glass and uncoated PET sheets were used as a control. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were adopted to analyze the surface characteristics of the fibers. MT3T3-E1 cells were cultured with the PET fibers and the MTT and ALP were tested at 1, 3, 5 days. Twenty-four skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, the 58S-PET group and the PET group. Both groups underwent a surgical procedure to establish a tibia-articular tendon-bone healing model. Mechanical examinations and histological assays were taken to verify the coating effects in vivo. Results of both MTT and ALP tests show significant differences (P < 0.01) between the 58S-PET group and the PET group. At 6 weeks and 12 weeks, the max load-to-failure was significantly higher in the 58S-PET group. In the histological assays, distinct new bone formation was observed only in the 58S-PET group and stronger osseointegration was seen in the 58S-PET group than that in the control group. The 58S-coating on PET could enhance the proliferation and activity of the osteoblasts and therefore promote the new bone formation and tendon-bone healing.