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A 3D-Printed Biomaterial Scaffold Reinforced with Inorganic Fillers for Bone Tissue Engineering: In Vitro Assessment
Mduduzi N Sithole1, Pradeep Kumar1, Lisa C Du Toit1
1Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 28, 2023
Summary
This study developed a 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold for bone regeneration. BMP-7 enhanced scaffolds significantly promoted new bone formation in rabbit defects, showing potential for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bone tissue regeneration is a significant clinical challenge.
- Novel biomaterial scaffolds are needed to guide and enhance bone healing.
- 3D printing offers precise control over scaffold architecture and properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold for bone regeneration.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the scaffold, particularly when functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7).
- To assess the scaffold's potential to promote osteogenesis and bone defect repair.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold using a 3D Bioplotter.
- In vitro culture of osteoblast-like MG63 cells on the scaffold, assessing cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation.
- Characterization of scaffold composition (e.g., Ca-P) using EDX.
- Functionalization of the scaffold with human BMP-7.
- In vivo implantation into a rabbit critical-sized nasal bone defect model.
- Histological analysis to evaluate new bone formation and scaffold degradation.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed scaffold supported osteoblast-like cell adhesion and viability in vitro.
- Scaffolds contained essential biomineral trace elements (Ca-P).
- In vivo studies demonstrated significant new bone formation, particularly in BMP-7 functionalized scaffolds by week 8.
- BMP-7 embedded scaffolds showed superior osteogenic potential compared to unfunctionalized scaffolds and controls.
- Scaffolds exhibited gradual degradation and replacement by new bone tissue.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed biomaterial scaffold serves as a pro-regenerative platform with mechanical, topographical, and biological cues.
- BMP-7 functionalization significantly enhances the osteogenic capacity of the scaffold for bone defect repair.
- The developed scaffold holds promise for advancing bone tissue regeneration strategies.
