A New Piezoelectric Actuator Induces Bone Formation In Vivo: A Preliminary Study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Joana Reis (Author) Other; António Torres Marques (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology

Vol. 2012

Pages: 1-7

ISSN: 1110-7243

Publisher: HINDAWI PUBLISHING CORPORATION

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 15 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Medical engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Biomedical enginnering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-GAX

DOI: 10.1155/2012/613403

Abstract (EN): This in vivo study presents the preliminary results of the use of a novel piezoelectric actuator for orthopedic application. The innovative use of the converse piezoelectric effect to mechanically stimulate bone was achieved with polyvinylidene fluoride actuators implanted in osteotomy cuts in sheep femur and tibia. The biological response around the osteotomies was assessed through histology and histomorphometry in nondecalcified sections and histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in decalcified sections, namely, through Masson's trichrome, and labeling of osteopontin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. After one-month implantation, total bone area and new bone area were significantly higher around actuators when compared to static controls. Bone deposition rate was also significantly higher in the mechanically stimulated areas. In these areas, osteopontin increased expression was observed. The present in vivo study suggests that piezoelectric materials and the converse piezoelectric effect may be used to effectively stimulate bone growth.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7