The proposed program will investigate the effect on bone growth of photolytic oxygen release. By irradiating tissue with light in the appropriate wavelength and irradiance range, increased oxygen release in the capillary structure may be achieved, thus increasing the oxygen actually available to tissue and the rate of healing in injured or diseased tissue.
The specific aim of Phase I is to measure the rate of gone growth in an optical bone growth chamber in a rabbit model with and without the application of photodissociating light. Demonstration and quantification of this effect will allow the design of devices based on photodissociation for clinical use. Areas of application include any situation where some blood flow exists, but greater oxygen availability is desired. In particular, in the area of dental implants, rapid integration of osseous implants for dental reconstruction is desirable in order to shorten the period of edentulism experienced while the implant foundation is integrated into the structure of the jaw. Additional applications include both implant integration and bone repair following fracture.
