Abstract
Multifunctional and resistant 3D structures represent a great promise and a great challenge in bone tissue engineering. This study addresses this problem by employing polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds added with hydroxyapatite (HAp) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), able to drive on demand the necessary cells and other bioagents for a high healing efficiency. PCL-HAp-SPION scaffolds with different concentrations of the superparamagnetic component were developed through the 3D-printing technology and the specific topographical features were detected by Atomic Force and Magnetic Force Microscopy (AFM-MFM). AFM-MFM measurements confirmed a homogenous distribution of HAp and SPION throughout the surface. The magnetically assisted seeding of cells in the scaffold resulted most efficient for the 1% SPION concentration, providing good cell entrapment and adhesion rates. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) seeded onto PCL-HAp-1% SPION showed a good cell proliferation and intrinsic osteogenic potential, indicating no toxic effects of the employed scaffold materials. The performed characterizations and the collected set of data point on the inherent osteogenic potential of the newly developed PCL-HAp-1% SPION scaffolds, endorsing them towards next steps of in vitro and in vivo studies and validations.
Highlights
Critical-sized bone defects (CBDs) represent a serious health problem worldwide and remain one of the leading clinical orthopedic challenges among scientists [1,2,3,4,5]
This overall trend was experimentally confirmed and the polynomial fitting in Figure 2c shows that the scaffolds are regularly scattered around the curve, with seeding cell amounts ranging from 0.23 × 104 cells for edge scaffolds to 0.10 × 104 cells for central scaffold N6
A clear and indicative deviation from this trend was detected on the scaffolds except the N8, N9 and N10
Summary
Critical-sized bone defects (CBDs) represent a serious health problem worldwide and remain one of the leading clinical orthopedic challenges among scientists [1,2,3,4,5]. Bone displays relevant biological functions, including calcium and phosphate storage and bone marrow harboring. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has implemented alternative strategies to face this unmet clinical need. BTE aims to develop biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue functions by combining biomaterials, cells and bioactive molecules [11]. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can provide significant benefits in promoting bone regeneration because of their differentiation and paracrine properties [12]. Biomaterials play a core role in maintaining cell functions with huge implications for the success of the implants. A scaffold has to match the proper structure and suitable mechanical properties to support biological processes and withstand mechanical loading to promote bone regeneration [13,14,15,16]
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