INTERFACIAL BEHAVIOR OF PEO/PBT COPOLYMERS (POLYACTIVE(R)) IN A CALVARIAL SYSTEM - AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Polyactive(R), a polyethylene oxide/polybutylene terephthalate (PEO/PBT) copolymer, has been reported to display bone-bonding behavior. Although a detailed description of the in vivo bone/Polyactive(R) interface is available, the underlying bone-bonding mechanism is still largely unknown. In this in vitro study, a calvarial envelope method has been adopted to reproduce the in vivo bone-bonding phenomenon and subsequently to obtain information on the biological effect of varying PEO/PBT segment ratios. The following PEO/PBT ratios were examined: 70/30,60/40, 55/45, 40/60, and 30/70. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning (SEM), transmission (TEM), and backscatter electron microscopy (BSE), as well as X-ray microanalysis (XRMA), were employed. Within the period of analysis (3 weeks), an intimate contact between mineralized deposition and the 70/30, 60/40, and, to a lesser extent, the 55/45 surface was observed. Calcified areas developed within the surface of these PEO/BPT proportions during the culture period. Needle-shaped crystals from the mineralized tissue compartment and from calcified areas within the materials surface were intermingled at the interface, providing a morphologic continuity. A cellular layer was interposed with the mineralization front and the noncalcified 40/60 and 30/70 substrates. Apparently, the percentage of PEO is important for calcification within the near surface of the polymer. This relation is such that the higher the PEO content in PEO/PBT ratios, the more rapid the calcification. The occurrence of material calcification is considered to be largely responsible for the subsequent interfacial interactions. The calvarial envelope culture method allows not only reproduction of the in vivo bone/Polyactive(R) interface, but also a relatively rapid differentiation within the range of PEO/PBT ratios. It was therefore concluded that this in vitro system is suitable for further studies toward a better understanding of the bone/Polyactive(R) interfacial composition and the underlying mechanisms. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.