Plasma treatment of deproteinized bovine bone mineral promotes the formation of sticky bone and improves osteogenesis

Abstract Background/Objective: Although deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) is a popular bone graft material in clinical practice, it has limited ability to maintain local space and osteogenicity in extensive bone defects. In this study, We aim to assess the mechanical properties and osteogenic potential of the sticky bone blocks prepared with oxygen plasma activation of deproteinised bovine bone mineral followed by mixing with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF). Methods The sticky bone of the experimental and control groups were prepared using oxygen plasma-treated DBBM and untreated DBBM, respectively.We observed the surface structure of the sticky bone blocks by scanning electron microscopy, assessed the mechanical properties of the sticky bone by a tensile testing machine, evaluated the degradation properties by recording the mass of the sticky bone blocks, and detected platelet activation in the sticky bone blocks by flow cytometry. The adhesion and differentiation capacity of sticky bone block extracts to human osteoblasts was examined using an alkaline phosphatase kit and alizarin red staining. Results The results showed that the internal fibres of the sticky bone prepared after plasma treatment were more compact and its mechanical properties were significantly improved. Flow cytometry results showed the plasma treatment promoted platelet activation, and cytological experiments confirmed that the oxygen plasma treatment technique promotes the adhesion and differentiation of osteoblasts. These results are of great significance for the application of sticky bone blocks in the field of implantation and guided tissue regeneration. Conclusion Sticky bone blocks prepared by mixing oxygen plasma-treated DBBM with I-PRF showed better mechanical and biological properties.