The aim of this study was to compare the bone regeneration ability of particle and block bones, acting as bone scaffolds, with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 and evaluate them as rhBMP-2 carriers. Demineralized bovine bone particles, blocks, and rhBMP-2 were grafted into the subperiosteal space of a rat calvarial bone, and the rats were randomly divided into four groups: particle, block, P (particle)+BMP, and B (block)+BMP groups. The bone volume of the B+BMP group was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.00), with no significant difference in bone mineral density. The average adipose tissue volume of the B+BMP group was higher than that of the P+BMP group, although the difference was not significant. Adipose tissue formation was observed in the rhBMP-2 application group. Histologically, the particle and B+BMP groups showed higher formation of a new bone. However, adipose tissue and void spaces were also formed, especially in the B+BMP group. Hence, despite the formation of a large central void space, rhBMP-2 could be effectively used with block bone scaffolds and showed excellent new bone formation. Further studies are required to evaluate the changes in adipose tissue.
Keywords: adipose tissue; bone morphogenetic protein; bone regeneration; bovine bone.