Combining three-dimensionality and CaP glass-PLA composites: Towards an efficient vascularization in bone tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bone regeneration is hindered by poor vascularization of implants, leading to tissue necrosis and integration failure.
• Current solutions like microsurgery have high morbidity, while growth factor stimulation lacks control and is costly.
• Non-biological stimuli are needed to promote angiogenesis for effective bone regeneration constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) and calcium phosphate (CaP) based glass scaffolds for enhanced bone regeneration.
• To investigate the role of controlled 3D printing, geometry, and solvent displacement in scaffold fabrication.
• To assess the angiogenic potential and in vivo performance of these novel scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Utilized room-temperature extrusion 3D printing with PLA and CaP-based glass materials.
• Controlled scaffold geometry, porosity, and surface topography using solvent displacement recovery.
• Assessed calcium ion release, human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) proliferation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in vitro.
• Evaluated scaffold integration, blood vessel infiltration, and maturation via subcutaneous implantation in vivo.

Main Results:

• Fabricated scaffolds demonstrated reproducible control over 3D structure, porosity, and surface topography.
• Scaffolds maintained physiological calcium ion release and supported hMSC proliferation.
• Significant VEGF secretion was observed after 3 days of cell culture.
• In vivo studies showed good scaffold integration and early blood vessel infiltration (1 week), with enhanced vessel maturation at 4 weeks without regression.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed PLA/CaP-based glass scaffolds effectively support angiogenesis and vessel maturation.
• Controlled 3D printing offers a viable method for creating vascularized bone regeneration constructs.
• These scaffolds present a promising strategy to improve vascularization in bone regeneration applications.