Abstract
In this study, we proposed a three-dimensional (3D) printed porous (termed as 3DPP) scaffold composed of bioceramic (beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)) and thermoreversible biopolymer (pluronic F-127 (PF127)) that may provide bone tissue ingrowth and loading support for bone defect treatment. The investigated scaffolds were printed in three different ranges of pore sizes for comparison (3DPP-1: 150–200 μm, 3DPP-2: 250–300 μm, and 3DPP-3: 300–350 μm). The material properties and biocompatibility of the 3DPP scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, contact angle goniometry, compression testing, and cell viability assay. In addition, micro-computed tomography was applied to investigate bone regeneration behavior of the 3DPP scaffolds in the mini-pig model. Analytical results showed that the 3DPP scaffolds exhibited well-defined porosity, excellent microstructural interconnectivity, and acceptable wettability (θ < 90°). Among all groups, the 3DPP-1 possessed a significantly highest compressive force 273 ± 20.8 Kgf (* p < 0.05). In vitro experiment results also revealed good cell viability and cell attachment behavior in all 3DPP scaffolds. Furthermore, the 3DPP-3 scaffold showed a significantly higher percentage of bone formation volume than the 3DPP-1 scaffold at week 8 (* p < 0.05) and week 12 (* p < 0.05). Hence, the 3DPP scaffold composed of β-TCP and F-127 is a promising candidate to promote bone tissue ingrowth into the porous scaffold with decent biocompatibility. This scaffold particularly fabricated with a pore size of around 350 μm (i.e., 3DPP-3 scaffold) can provide proper loading support and promote bone regeneration in bone defects when applied in dental and orthopedic fields.
Highlights
Nowadays, various synthetic bone graft materials have been used to fill the gap of large bone defects and promote bone regeneration [1–3]
Analysis of the structural interval of the fabricated scaffolds revealed that the average pore sizes of the 3DPP-1, 3DPP-2, and 3DPP-3 scaffolds were around 200 μm, 270 μm, and 350 μm, respectively (Figure 2a–c)
We fabricated a 3DPP scaffold composed of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and PF127 that could be beneficial for patients requiring bone implantation
Summary
Various synthetic bone graft materials have been used to fill the gap of large bone defects and promote bone regeneration [1–3]. Among these synthetic materials, beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is of great interest owing to its biocompatibility and bioactivity similar to the natural bone structures [4–6]. The β-TCP offers a great balance between absorption, degradation, and the formation of new bones [5,7,8]. This material can be used directly for bone replacement or in combination with other ceramic materials for biomedical applications [9,10]. To mitigate the limitation of a single material, bone graft scaffolds fabricated from the mixture between synthetic biodegradable polymers and osteoconductive ceramic particles have become a forefront topic in the field of biological material and tissue engineering [6,13]
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