Optimizations of Placenta Extracellular Matrix-Loaded Silk Fibroin/Alginate 3D-Printed Scaffolds Structurally and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Critical-sized bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
• Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffolds are gaining interest for bone regeneration.
• Developing effective bone grafts requires biomimetic materials with suitable mechanical and biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and evaluate 3D printed scaffolds using decellularized human placental ECM composite with alginate (Alg) and silk fibroin (SF).
• To assess the physical and biological characteristics of these scaffolds in vitro.
• To investigate the efficacy of the optimal scaffold for cranial bone defect healing in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Urea-based decellularization and solubilization of human placenta to obtain ECM.
• Composite fabrication of ECM with alginate (Alg) and silk fibroin (SF) for 3D printing.
• In vitro characterization of scaffold properties and in vivo evaluation in a rat cranial defect model.

Main Results:

• Efficient removal of cellular components from placental tissue was achieved.
• Increasing ECM concentration enhanced the mechanical and biological properties of the 3D printed scaffolds.
• The 5% ECM-SF/Alg scaffold significantly accelerated bone regeneration in cranial defects at 4 and 8 weeks post-implantation.

Conclusions:

• Placental ECM-derived scaffolds can be successfully 3D printed with Alg and SF.
• These biomimetic scaffolds demonstrate potential for reconstructing significant bone defects.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to translate these findings for bone defect repair.