Effect of 3D printed polycaprolactone scaffold with a bionic structure on the early stage of fat grafting

Mature adipocytes are sensitive to stress and hypoxia, which are the two major obstacles in large-volume fat grafting. Bionic scaffolds are considered beneficial for fat grafting; however, their mechanism is still unclear. In this study, polycaprolactone scaffolds were fabricated by a 3D-printing technique and compounded with liposuction fat. They were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. At different times, gross and histological observations were performed to evaluate the retention rates and histological morphologies. Adipocyte viability, apoptosis, and vascularization were analyzed by special immunostaining. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the variations in hypoxia and inflammation. The results showed that the volume and weight retentions in the scaffold group were higher than those in the fat group with the former exhibiting fewer vacuoles and less fibrosis. In immunostaining, elevated CD31+ capillaries, more perilipin+ adipocytes, and fewer TUNEL+ apoptotic cells were observed in the scaffold group by week 4. The lower expression of HIF-1α indicated the alleviation of hypoxia. In conclusion, the scaffold provided mechanical support to resist skin tension, thereby decreasing the interstitial pressure, and improving substance exchange and vascular ingrowth. In this regard, the scaffold attenuated hypoxia and promoted vascularization, making it a feasible method to increase long-term retention in fat grafting using scaffolds with suitable degradation rates and additional vascular maturation stimulation.