Evaluation of the Bone Formation Potential of Collagen/ß-TCP/Ginger Extract Scaffold Loaded with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rat Animal model: A Stereological Study

Tissue engineering offers a new horizon for restoring the function of damaged tissues and organs. Here, bone regeneration potential of three-dimensional (3D) scaffold made of collagen/beta-tricalcium phosphate/ginger hydroalcoholic extract (COL-ß-TCP-GIN) loaded with stem cells was evaluated. The scaffolds with different component ratios were fabricated using a freeze dryer to obtain the optimum composition. The scaffolds' chemical, physical, and biological characteristics were evaluated using scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing machine, and cytotoxicity assay. The optimum scaffold's bone repairing potential was assessed with loaded synovial membrane mesenchymal stem cells (SM-MSCs) in mandibular bone defect of a rat animal model after two months. The ß-TCP component up to 30% could increase the tensile strength of the freeze-dried scaffold. In comparison, the GIN up to 5% was selected as a sufficient amount to be incorporated with the scaffolds. The morphology of scaffolds showed a suitable porosity for cells to proliferate and migrate. In vitro cytotoxicity results showed that GIN increased the cell viability up to 7 days. Regarding in vivo bone regeneration study, histopathology and stereology assessments showed the mandibular bone formation in COL/β-TCP/GIN scaffolds with SM-MSCs group significantly increased compared to COL/β-TCP/GIN without cells and sham groups. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of COL/β-TCP/GIN scaffold with SM-MSCs to induce bone formation, and this composite can be applied in dental and reconstructive surgery.