Evaluation of bone regeneration potential of injectable extracellular matrix (ECM) from porcine dermis loaded with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) powder

Extracellular matrix (ECM) contains a wide array of complex proteins, growth factors and cytokines that regulate cell behavior and tissue development. ECM harvested from non-homologous ECM sources still provide a structural support and biochemical cues to cells for effective tissue remodeling. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of non-tissue specific decellularized ECM from porcine dermis loaded with biphasic calcium phosphate powder (BCP) in bone regeneration. Thermosensitive ECM hydrogels with BCP powder exhibited a porous morphology with a suitable injectability and increased mechanical stability. In-vitro studies using MC3T3-E1 pre osteoblast cells showed that the injectable ECM hydrogels were biocompatible and supported the osteogenic differentiation. The bone regeneration capacity of the injectable ECM hydrogels was evaluated in-vivo by implanting in rat femoral head for 4 and 8 weeks. Micro-CT and histological staining results indicated that the injectable ECM hydrogels loaded with BCP powder showed higher and improved bone formation compared with the unfilled defect. Injectable ECM loaded with BCP powder is a good potential biomaterial for non-load bearing bone regeneration application.