Low-temperature deposition 3D printing biotin-doped PLGA/β-TCP scaffold for repair of bone defects in osteonecrosis of femoral head

Abstract

The removal of necrotic bone and implantation of bone repair materials is an effective treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH)-type bone defects, but there are currently no clinically applicable bone repair materials. In this study, a biotin-doped bone repair scaffold was created using low-temperature deposition (LTD) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, and its ability to repair bone defects in ONFH was evaluated. The scaffold was characterized in vitro, and its cytotoxicity and osteogenic capacity were assessed by co-culturing the scaffold with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The scaffolds were implanted in an animal model of ONFH-type bone defects, and the effect of scaffolds on promoting bone repair was evaluated by means of radiology and histopathology. LTD 3D-printed biotin-doped scaffolds showed cancellous bone-like structures without inducing cytotoxicity, whereas high-biotin β-TCP scaffolds (HBPT; containing 2% biotin) promoted osteogenic differentiation more effectively. Experiments on animals revealed that the effect of HBPT on bone repair was significantly superior to that of other groups. The in vivo biocompatibility of HBPT was confirmed by blood analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining of the main organs. In conclusion, biotin-doped scaffolds can be used to treat ONFH-type bone defects by virtue of their ability in promoting bone regeneration.