Experimental study on antler powder/chitosan/β-glycerophosphate/polyvinyl alcohol composite platelet-rich fibrin scaffold for repairing periodontal bone defects in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated and compared the efficacy of five scaffold materials-AP (Antler Powder)/CS (Chitosan)/β-GP (β-Glycerophosphate)/PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) composite scaffold with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), the same scaffold without PRF, an AP/PVA scaffold, PRF gel alone, and Bio-Oss® bone powder-in repairing periodontal bone defects and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration.

METHODS: Fifty-four New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into six groups (n = 9/group). A unilateral periodontal bone defect model was established in each rabbit. The defects were treated as follows: (1) AP/CS/β-GP/PVA-PRF composite scaffold; (2) AP/CS/β-GP/PVA scaffold; (3) AP/PVA scaffold; (4) PRF gel; (5) Bio-Oss® (positive control); and (6) no implantation (blank control). Three rabbits per group were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Outcomes were assessed via gross observation, radiographic imaging, and histological analysis. Quantitative measurements included newly formed alveolar bone area, periodontal ligament width, and mineralization degree within the defect area.

RESULTS: Gross observation revealed normal gingival color, contour, and texture, with probing depths ≤1 mm in all implanted groups, including the Bio-Oss® group. In contrast, the blank control group exhibited reduced alveolar bone height and 2-3 mm of gingival recession by 8 weeks. Radiographic analysis at 4, 8, and 12 weeks demonstrated continuous bone regeneration in all implanted groups, which showed significantly superior repair outcomes compared to the blank control (P < 0.05). Histologically, all implanted groups displayed the formation of cementum-like tissue, periodontal ligament-like fibers, and alveolar bone-like tissue on the root surface, with progressive maturation over time. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA with post hoc tests) indicated that at 12 weeks, the AP/CS/β-GP/PVA-PRF composite scaffold achieved significantly better regenerative outcomes than the blank control, the Bio-Oss® positive control, and the other three experimental groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The AP/CS/β-GP/PVA-PRF composite tissue-engineered scaffold significantly promotes periodontal tissue regeneration and bone mineralization in periodontal bone defects, which shows good clinical application potential for periodontal defect repair.