Evaluation of bone repair after application of a norbixin membrane scaffold with and without laser photobiomodulation (λ 780 nm)

Biocompatible membranes are widely used in medicine to stimulate bone repair. Several studies have demonstrated that laser photobiomodulation (PBM) also stimulates osteoblast proliferation and osteogenesis at the fracture site, leading to a greater deposition of bone mass and accelerating the process of bone consolidation. This work assessed the therapeutic effect of 780-nm laser PBM and a polystyrene membrane coated with norbixin and collagen (PSNC) on bone healing in rats with calvarial bone defect. Histological staining, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the bone repair process. Four experimental treatment groups were compared: C, control; M, membrane only; L, laser PBM only; and ML, membrane + laser PBM. A bone defect was created in the calvaria of each animal, with each group subdivided into two subgroups that underwent euthanasia after 15 and 30 days treatment. The L and ML groups were irradiated (λ = 780 nm, ED = 6 J/cm², P = 60 mW, t = 4 s) postoperatively on alternate days until they were euthanized. The bone concentration of hydroxyapatite (CHA) showed a clear gradation with increasing phosphate area in the order B (normal cortical bone) > L > M > ML > C for both periods. The PSNC membrane was effective in reducing the inflammatory process and served as a scaffold for bone repair. The laser PBM also showed positive effects on the bone repair process with increased deposition and organization of the newly formed bone. However, laser PBM failed to improve the bioactive properties of the membrane scaffold.