Effects of Cyclic RGD Peptide Functionalization on the Quantitative Bone Ingrowth Process in Cellularized Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of the grafting of cyclo-DfKRG on the early phase of integration of biomaterials made with macroporous hydroxyapatite/ P-tricalcium phosphate colonized with autologous bone marrow stromal cells. Non-grafted (-RGD) and grafted (+RGD) biomaterials were implanted in both femoral condyles of rabbits for 2 and 4 weeks. Two weeks after implantation, the global bone formation was higher with +RGD samples (p=0.02). There remained no significant difference 4 weeks after implantation. In conclusion, grafting of cyclo-DfKRG peptide on materials could promote cell colonization and improve osteoconduction during the first stage of the bone cicatrization process.