3D-printed bioink loading with stem cells and cellular vesicles for periodontitis-derived bone defect repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Periodontitis causes bone defects due to inflammation, bacterial invasion, and insufficient stem cells.
• Effective repair requires a microenvironment that addresses these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional 3D-printing bioink for periodontitis-derived bone defect repair.
• To evaluate the bioink's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties.

Main Methods:

• A 3D-printing bioink (EPM) was created using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) modified epsilon-poly-L-lysine (EPLGMA), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and myeloid-derived suppressive cells membrane vesicles (MDSCs-MV).
• In vitro studies assessed antibacterial activity, T-cell inhibition via the CD73/CD39/adenosine pathway, and PDLSC osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo studies utilized a rat periodontal bone defect model, with micro-CT and histological analysis to evaluate bone regeneration.

Main Results:

• EPM demonstrated excellent mechanical and physicochemical properties suitable for bone regeneration.
• In vitro, EPM exhibited antibacterial effects against periodontopathic bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting T cells.
• PDLSCs provided osteoblast precursors, and MDSCs-MV enhanced PDLSC-derived osteoblast mineralization.
• In vivo, EPM scaffolds showed significant anti-inflammatory and bone regeneration efficacy in a rat model.

Conclusions:

• The developed EPM bioink offers a promising biomimetic and multifunctional solution for periodontitis-derived bone defects.
• This 3D-printing bioink presents new possibilities for clinical applications in periodontal regeneration.