Subcutaneous implantation of plain BAG or β-TCP granules failed to induce osteoblastic activity and calcification, but seeding of both biomaterials with hASCs and/or supplementation with BMP-2 induced osteoblastic activity. However, calcification was only observed, when BMP-2 activated hASCs were seeded on BAG or hASCs were seeded on β-TCP. G1 – G4 = groups 1 – 4; OBPCs = osteoblastic precursor cells; d = statistical difference between groups 2 and 3; e = statistical difference between groups 2 and 4; f = statistical difference between groups 1 and 4; N.D. = not detected (score = 0); single asterisks indicates statistical differences between weeks 4 and 8; arrows with asterisks indicates statistical differences between BAG and β-TCP.
Figure 7: Overview on semi-quantitative scoring of osteoblastic precursor. cell formation and calcification around BAG and β-TCP granules.