Electrospun hydroxyapatite-functionalized PLLA scaffold: potential applications in sternal bone healing

Sternal synthesis after median sternotomy, a conventional access practice in thoracic and cardiac surgery, is at the basis of severe complications, often impairing the clinical outcome of surgical interventions. In this work, we propose the use of an acellular biomaterial scaffold, to be interposed across the fracture rime during closure operations, directly exposing the biomaterial to bone marrow, in order to expedite healing process. A rabbit model of median sternot- omy was performed and an electrospun scaffold composed of a hydroxyapatite-loaded absorbable biopolymer (poly-L- lactide), shaped into a fibrillar structure, was used. CT follow-up confirmed a complete healing in the scaffold- treated group 1 week before the control. Histological eval- uation demonstrated presence of newly formed bone trabec- ulae among scaffold fibers showing a higher degree of maturity with respect to the control untreated group. The proposed approach is able to both guide a more rapid healing and modulate inflammatory response across the wound site, resulting in improved healing and tissue remodeling with respect to conventional closure technique.