The Uniform Distribution of Hydroxyapatite in a Polyurethane Foam-Based Scaffold (PU/HAp) to Enhance Bone Repair in a Calvarial Defect Model

Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) is a promising material for addressing challenges in bone grafting. This study was designed to enhance the bone grafting capabilities of PU by integrating hydroxyapatite (HAp), which is known for its osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential. Moreover, a uniform distribution of HAp in the porous structure of PU increased the effectiveness of bone grafts. PEG/APTES-modified scaffolds were prepared through self-foaming reactions. A uniform pore structure was generated during the spontaneous foaming reaction, and HAp was uniformly distributed in the PU structure (PU15HAp and PU30HAp) during foaming. Compared with the PU scaffolds, the HAp-modified PU scaffolds exhibited significantly greater protein absorption. Importantly, the effect of the HAp-modified PU scaffold on bone repair was tested in a rat calvarial defect model. The microstructure of the newly formed bone was analyzed with microcomputed tomography (μ-CT). Bone regeneration at the defect site was significantly greater in the HAp-modified PU scaffold group than in the PU group. This innovative HAp-modified PU scaffold improves current bone graft materials, providing a promising avenue for improved bone regeneration.