• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to develop an osteogenic, biodegradable material using polymer and BMP. It was designed to have structural function and be moldable, for the reconstruction of load bearing areas and deformities of various configurations. Bone apatite was added to Poly(L-lactide)(PLLA) and made porous for osteoconductability and ease of BMP loading. The materials, with or without BMP purified from porcine bone matrix, were evaluated in cranial bone defect models in rats for biocompatibility and bone regeneration capability. The following results were obtained: The PLLA-BMP material with BMP added to the polymer showed 30% healing of cranial bone defects in rats during the 2 weeks to 3 months period of observation. The moldable PLLA agent without BMP also showed 25% bone healing capacity. Although new bone formation was incomplete in the critical size defect of rat cranium, it can be concluded that the unique moldability of those agents makes them useful for the reconstruction of various bone defects and maxillofacial deformities.