Abstract
Mandibular bone defect reconstruction is an urgent challenge due to the requirements for daily eating and facial aesthetics. Three-dimensional- (3D-) printed titanium (Ti) scaffolds could provide patient-specific implants for bone defects. Appropriate load-bearing properties are also required during bone reconstruction, which makes them potential candidates for mandibular bone defect reconstruction implants. However, in clinical practice, the insufficient osteogenesis of the scaffolds needs to be further improved. In this study, we first encapsulated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into Matrigel. Subsequently, the BMSC-containing Matrigels were infiltrated into porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds. The Matrigels in the scaffolds provided a 3D culture environment for the BMSCs, which was important for osteoblast differentiation and new bone formation. Our results showed that rats with a full thickness of critical mandibular defects treated with Matrigel-infiltrated Ti6Al4V scaffolds exhibited better new bone formation than rats with local BMSC injection or Matrigel-treated defects. Our data suggest that Matrigel is able to create a more favorable 3D microenvironment for BMSCs, and Matrigel containing infiltrated BMSCs may be a promising method for enhancing the bone formation properties of 3D-printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds. We suggest that this approach provides an opportunity to further improve the efficiency of stem cell therapy for the treatment of mandibular bone defects.
Highlights
Mandibular bone defects caused by tumor resection, infection, trauma, or surgery are so common that they consume a large amount of medical resources [1]
Matrigel was chosen to provide an excellent bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) 3D culture environment for bone regeneration, and the combination of 3D-printed Ti6Al4V scaffold can serve as a complementary component to provide robust bone structure and customized shape
Critical mandibular defects need a considerable number of BMSCs
Summary
Mandibular bone defects caused by tumor resection, infection, trauma, or surgery are so common that they consume a large amount of medical resources [1]. Mandibular reconstructive surgery has been performed for more than a century, the regeneration of critically sized bone defects remains challenging in maxillofacial surgery [2, 3]. Autogenous bone grafting derived from the iliac crest and fibula is the most common procedure for reconstructing mandibular bone defects. Several limitations restrict its clinical use, including the limited sources of donor tissue, additional surgery, lack of an accurate fit with the defect site, and high rate of donor site infection [4]. Regenerative approaches that avoid autogenous and allogeneic grafts by employing tissue-engineering bone substitutes may provide superior alternative strategies for effective bone reconstruction.
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