Association of Bioglass/Collagen/Magnesium composites and low level irradiation: effects on bone healing in a model of tibial defect in rats

Background and Aims Bioglass (BG) and Magnesium (Mg) composites have been used for bone tissue engineering proposes due to its osteogenic activity and increased mechanical properties respectively. The introduction of Collagen (Col) is a common and efficient approach for bone tissue engineering applications toward cell proliferation. Recently, studies demonstrated that BG/Col/Mg composites presented proper mechanical properties and were non-cytotoxic. Although the osteogenic potential of BG/Col/Mg composites, in specific situations, biomaterials may not be capable of stimulating bone tissue. Therefore, combining biomaterial matrices and effective post-operative therapies (such as low level lasertherapy; LLLT) may be necessary to appropriately stimulate bone tissue. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop intra- and extra-operatively bone regenerative therapeutical strategies, based on the association of Col-enriched BG/Mg composites with LLLT.