In vivo stimulation of bone formation by biodegradable polymer deposited magnesium bone bullet

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bone morphogenetic proteins and insulin-like growth factor can theoretically apply to stimulate bone formation. However, uncontrolled release rate and systemic effects outside of the musculoskeletal tissues hamper their use clinically. Hence, we propose a simple approach to stimulate bone formation by using our newly developed magnesium bullet. Magnesium is chosen as one of the major components for the bullet, since the presence of Mg ions is able to stimulate bone growth and bone healing thru the enhancement of osteoblast and osteoclast activities. However, rapid degradation of magnesium and release of hydrogen gas impede its medical applications. Therefore, we have successfully developed a biopolymer coating named polycaprolactone (PCL) to control the degradation rate of Mg bullet. This paper reports the in vitro and in vivo properties as well as bone forming ability of this novel de…