3D Printing Di-ion doped Calcium Silicate Scaffolding Architecture for Promotion of Bifunctionality for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Critical-sized bone defects are important medical problems that often do not heal themselves through the own body's repair mechanisms. Studies have shown that incorporating trace elements such as magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr) or silicon (Si) into bone scaffolds can improve its biological activity for bone healing and regeneration. With the development in 3D printing technology, the unit structure, multi-layer structure and multi-material structure of the scaffold can be easily manipulated, which can effectively control the degradation rate of the scaffold and the appropriate strength of the implant. The aim of this study is to design a composite scaffold by combining two different materials using 3D printing, with Mg-doped calcium silicate and Sr-doped calcium silicate as the outer and inner sides of the scaffold. The scaffold can protect against the problem of premature breakdown of the overall strength caused by the initial degradation after implantation, as well as achieve a synergistic therapeutic effect by the releasing trace ions. This study further explores the potential mechanism of Mg and Sr that promote bone regeneration, in order to facilitate the future application of 3D-printed bone implants in the critical-sized bone defects.