An effective dual-factor modified 3D-printed PCL scaffold for bone defect repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bone formation involves numerous bioactive molecules.
• Simultaneous application of bioactive molecules may accelerate tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of combining aspirin-loaded liposomes (Asp@Lipo) and bone-forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) on a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold for bone regeneration.
• To determine the optimal ratio of Asp@Lipo to BFP-1 for enhancing osteogenic efficiency.
• To explore the underlying mechanism of action.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold.
• Incorporated aspirin-loaded liposomes (Asp@Lipo) and bone-forming peptide-1 (BFP-1).
• Conducted in vitro studies with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and in vivo experiments using a cranial defect animal model.
• Employed RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) for mechanistic exploration.

Main Results:

• The optimal ratio of Asp@Lipo to BFP-1 was determined to be 3:7 for enhancing osteogenic efficiency in vitro.
• The composite scaffold significantly improved bone regeneration in an in vivo cranial defect model.
• RNA-Seq analysis suggested the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is crucial for the observed bone regeneration enhancement.

Conclusions:

• A composite scaffold system with Asp@Lipo and BFP-1 at a 3:7 ratio effectively promotes bone regeneration.
• The PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the mechanism of action.
• This approach holds potential for applications in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.