Induction of new bone by allogeneic demineralized bone matrix combined to bioactive glass composite in the rat.

Abstract

Allogeneic diaphyseal demineralized bone matrix (DBM) cylinders containing bioactive glass rods were implanted for 4 and 8 weeks in the abdominal muscle wall of rats. DBM without glass served as control. The results suggest that new bone induction by DBM was accelerated by the presence of bioactive glass implants. However, the bone formation induced by DBM on the glass surface was relatively small. The biocompatibility of the glass was verified by the absence of adverse cellular reactions in the interface region between glass and bone. The method used provides a simple and fast means of exploring the characteristics of potential bone substitutes.