Engineering 3D Printed Bioceramic Scaffolds to Reconstruct Critical-Sized Calvaria Defects in a Skeletally Immature...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Three-dimensional printed bioceramic scaffolds (3DPBC-DIPY) show promise for bone regeneration.
• Demonstrating efficacy in a large translational animal model is crucial before human application.
• This study investigates 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds in a skeletally immature porcine calvarial defect model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bone regenerative capacity of 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds in critical-sized calvarial defects.
• To compare the efficacy of scaffolds with and without caps in promoting bone formation.
• To assess the safety and osteoconductive properties of the scaffolds in a growing animal model.

Main Methods:

• Unilateral calvarial defects were created in skeletally immature Göttingen minipigs.
• Defects were treated with 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds (with or without caps) or left as controls.
• Bone regeneration was assessed after 12 weeks using micro-CT, 3D reconstruction, histology, and nanoindentation.

Main Results:

• 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds significantly enhanced bone growth compared to controls (P ≤ 0.001).
• Scaffolds with caps demonstrated significantly greater bone regeneration than those without (P ≤ 0.001).
• Histology confirmed woven and lamellar bone formation with no ectopic ossification or excessive inflammation; mechanical properties were comparable to native bone.

Conclusions:

• 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds effectively regenerate bone across critical-sized calvarial defects in a skeletally immature porcine model.
• The use of a cap enhances bone regeneration, suggesting improved containment and reduced soft-tissue infiltration.
• These findings support the translational potential of 3DPBC-DIPY scaffolds for treating bone defects.