Evaluation of the osteoconductive potential of Croton lechleri sap associated with collagen or wax-based carriers in critical-size bone defects in rat calvaria.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate bone repair in critical size calvarial defects (8 mm) in rats treated with Croton lechleri sap (dragon's blood sap, DBS) combined with Hemospon® and Alveolex®.

Methods: Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups: G1, Hemospon®; G2, Hemospon® + DBS; G3, Alveolex®; G4, Alveolex® + DBS; C-, blood clot; and C+, LuminaCoat® membrane. At 30 and 60 days, specimens were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analysis, quantifying newly formed bone, residual biomaterial, and connective tissue.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed among groups in new bone formation. At 30 days, G3 presented the highest mean of newly formed bone (18.6 ± 6.8%), followed by G2 (16.0 ± 4.8%). G4 presented the lowest mean (10.7 ± 1.3%). At 60 days, C+ exhibited the greatest bone formation (29.5 ± 21.0%). G2 showed the highest biomaterial persistence at 30 (19.4 ± 0.6%) and 60 days (17.4 ± 3.9%). G3 presented the lowest connective tissue density at 30 days (49.2 ± 6.3%); C+ exhibited the lowest value at 60 days (38.9 ± 18.1%).

Conclusion: Hemospon® associated with DBS proved to be the most promising osteoconductive system, favoring biomaterial persistence and reducing fibrogenesis, whereas the association with Alveolex® was less favorable. The DBS shows biotechnological potential, but its stabilizing effect on the scaffold requires further investigation.