A 3D-printed polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate mandibular prosthesis: A pilot animal study

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Bone defects, particularly in the mandible, pose significant challenges in achieving complete regeneration.
• Current treatments often involve complex procedures and may not fully restore bone function.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for bone regeneration, but their delivery and integration remain critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cell (TMSC)-transplanted polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold in promoting osteogenesis in rabbit mandible defects.
• To assess the bone regeneration potential of a novel, easily fixable and graftable single scaffold system.

Main Methods:

• A polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold was designed for easy fixation and grafting.
• Eighteen rabbits with 10x8mm mandible bone defects were divided into four groups: scaffold control (SC), peripheral blood (PB) soaked scaffolds, TMSC-transplanted scaffolds, and differentiated osteocyte (DOC) transplanted scaffolds.
• Bone formation was evaluated at 12 weeks post-surgery using mechanical testing, histology, and micro-computed tomography.

Main Results:

• TMSC and DOC groups exhibited more extensive and denser new bone formation compared to SC and PB groups.
• Fibrosis and vascularization levels were comparable across all groups, indicating the scaffold's inherent suitability for bone attachment.
• Bone volume percentages were highest in the TMSC (53.10%) and DOC (57.44%) groups, demonstrating superior osteogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The dual-structured scaffold design effectively supports osteogenesis and bone regeneration.
• TMSCs possess significant osteogenic potency, and their combination with the scaffold facilitates effective bone regeneration.
• This combined approach holds promise for treating mandibular bone defects.