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3D-Printed Osteoinductive Polymeric Scaffolds with Optimized Architecture to Repair a Sheep Metatarsal Critical-Size
Charlotte Garot1, Sarah Schoffit2,3, Cécile Monfoulet4,5
1CNRS EMR 5000 Biomimetism and Regenerative Medicine (BRM), INSERM U1292 Biosanté, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes, 17 avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, F-38054, France.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|September 1, 2023
Summary
A novel 3D-printed scaffold coated with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) effectively repairs critical-size bone defects. Optimized pore shape and BMP-2 dosage promote bone regeneration with no adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Critical-size long bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
- Existing treatments often lack sufficient osteoinductivity for complete bone regeneration.
- A need exists for advanced medical devices to facilitate bone repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel osteoinductive medical device for long bone defect reconstruction.
- To assess the impact of scaffold geometry and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) dosage on bone regeneration.
- To validate the biocompatibility and efficacy of the developed device in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold with a polyelectrolyte film coating delivering BMP-2.
- Repair of a 25-mm critical-size sheep metatarsal bone defect using the film-coated scaffold.
- In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility testing according to ISO standards.
- Analysis of bone regeneration using X-ray, micro-computed tomography (µCT) scans, and histology.
- Evaluation of scaffold geometry (pore shape) and BMP-2 concentration effects.
Main Results:
- The film-coated PLA scaffold demonstrated in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.
- Scaffold internal geometry, specifically cubic pores (≈870 µm), significantly influenced BMP-2 incorporation and bone regeneration.
- A low BMP-2 dose (≈120 µg cm⁻³) combined with optimized pore geometry resulted in homogenous longitudinal bone regeneration.
- No adverse effects were observed during the study.
- Clinical visual scoring during animal follow-up proved to be a reliable predictor of bone regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D-printed, BMP-2-eluting scaffold is a promising osteoinductive device for critical-size long bone defect repair.
- Scaffold design, particularly pore shape and BMP-2 dosage, critically impacts bone regeneration efficacy.
- This technology holds potential for personalized bone regeneration therapies in clinical settings.
