Abstract
Bone tissue engineering has developed significantly in recent years as there has been increasing demand for bone substitutes due to trauma, cancer, arthritis, and infections. The scaffolds for bone regeneration need to be mechanically stable and have a 3D architecture with interconnected pores. With the advances in additive manufacturing technology, these requirements can be fulfilled by 3D printing scaffolds with controlled geometry and porosity using a low-cost multistep process. The scaffolds, however, must also be bioactive to promote the environment for the cells to regenerate into bone tissue. To determine if a low-cost 3D printing method for bespoke SiOC(N) porous structures can regenerate bone, these structures were tested for osteointegration potential by using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). This includes checking the general biocompatibilities under the osteogenic differentiation environment (cell proliferation and metabolism). Moreover, cell morphology was observed by confocal microscopy, and gene expressions on typical osteogenic markers at different stages for bone formation were determined by real-time PCR. The results of the study showed the pore size of the scaffolds had a significant impact on differentiation. A certain range of pore size could stimulate osteogenic differentiation, thus promoting bone regrowth and regeneration.
Highlights
Silicon-based ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration are one of the main strategies used for the treatment of bone loss and large-scale bone defects [1,2,3,4,5]
Previous research has shown that the expression of some osteogenesis-related genes, e.g., alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein2(BMP-2), and collagen type I (Col I), are affected by silicon [10]
Silicon contributes to the promotion of early deposition of apatite, the growth of osteoblasts, and some genes that control the induction of cell cycles and progression which enhance osteogenesis [11]
Summary
Silicon-based ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration are one of the main strategies used for the treatment of bone loss and large-scale bone defects [1,2,3,4,5]. Current studies show that silicon is an essential element for bone development and formation [6,7]. Silicon-based materials play an important role in the surface bioactivity through the exchange of ions at the scaffold–tissue interface, which results in the formation of a layer, similar to the mineral phase of bone [8]. Silicon possesses similar properties to phosphorus when it comes to bone formation and development [9]. Previous research has shown that the expression of some osteogenesis-related genes, e.g., alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein2(BMP-2), and collagen type I (Col I), are affected by silicon [10]. Silicon contributes to the promotion of early deposition of apatite, the growth of osteoblasts, and some genes that control the induction of cell cycles and progression which enhance osteogenesis [11]
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