3D-Printed Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold Loaded with Curculigoside for Rat Cranial Defect Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Large bone defects pose significant challenges in orthopedic treatment.
• Curculigoside (CUR) shows potential in enhancing bone formation and fracture healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a novel 3D-printed composite scaffold (HGSC) for bone regeneration.
• To evaluate the angiogenic and osteoinductive potential of the HGSC scaffold in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of curculigoside-loaded nanoparticles (CUR@PM) using emulsification/solvent evaporation.
• 3D printing of a composite scaffold (HA/GEL/SA/CUR@PM) cross-linked with calcium chloride.
• In vitro biocompatibility, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis assays.
• In vivo implantation in rat cranial defects followed by micro-CT and histological analysis.

Main Results:

• The HGSC scaffold exhibited uniform pore size, hydrophilicity, appropriate mechanical properties, and sustained drug release for 12 days.
• In vitro studies confirmed HGSC's nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and ability to promote cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis.
• In vivo results showed significant new bone formation and angiogenesis in rat cranial defects treated with HGSC.

Conclusions:

• The developed HGSC composite scaffold demonstrates excellent angiogenic and osteogenic properties.
• HGSC holds significant potential for clinical applications in bone repair and regeneration, particularly in promoting vascularization.