3D printed gelatin/decellularized bone composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: Fabrication, characterization...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Bioprinting

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for personalized scaffold design with controlled properties.
• Combining decellularization and 3D printing can create biomaterials that mimic native tissue structures.
• Developing effective biomaterials is crucial for advancing bone tissue engineering applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel composite scaffold reinforced with decellularized bone particles (dbPTs) for bone tissue engineering.
• To investigate the printability, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of gelatin (GEL)/dbPTs scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Decellularized bone particles (dbPTs) were prepared from rabbit femur and mixed with gelatin (GEL).
• 3D scaffolds were fabricated using extrusion-based bioprinting, crosslinked with microbial transglutaminase (mTG), and freeze-dried.
• Scaffolds were characterized morphologically, mechanically, and chemically; cell attachment and proliferation were assessed using MC3T3-E1 cells.

Main Results:

• Homogenous distribution of dbPTs within the 3D-printed GEL/dbPTs scaffolds was achieved.
• Scaffold mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, and degradation rates were improved with increased dbPTs content.
• MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated good attachment and proliferation on the GEL/dbPTs scaffolds, indicating cytocompatibility and bioactivity.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin/dbPTs hydrogel formulations are 3D-printable and suitable for bone tissue engineering.
• The incorporation of dbPTs enhances the mechanical integrity and degradation profile of the scaffolds.
• These novel composite scaffolds show significant potential for promoting bone regeneration.