3D-Printed PCL/SrHA@DFO Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold with Bone Regeneration and Vascularization Function.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bone defect repair necessitates advanced biomaterials.
• Three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds offer tailored solutions for bone regeneration.
• Incorporating specific ions and growth factors can enhance scaffold bioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize poly(ε-caprolactone)/strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (PCL/SrHA) composite scaffolds.
• To evaluate the osteogenic and angiogenic potential of these scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
• To investigate the combined effect of SrHA and deferoxamine (DFO) on bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of SrHA powder.
• Fabrication of PCL/HA and PCL/SrHA composite scaffolds using melt extrusion 3D printing.
• In vitro assessment of physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Evaluation of cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation (MC3T3E1 cells), and angiogenesis (HUVECs).

Main Results:

• PCL/SrHA scaffolds exhibited a 3D interconnected porous structure with embedded SrHA.
• Continuous release of Sr²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions was observed from PCL/SrHA scaffolds.
• SrHA incorporation significantly promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation compared to PCL/HA.
• DFO-loaded PCL/SrHA scaffolds demonstrated enhanced angiogenesis in vitro, synergistic with Sr²⁺.

Conclusions:

• The developed PCL/SrHA composite scaffolds possess favorable properties for bone regeneration.
• The combination of SrHA and DFO shows significant potential for promoting both osteogenesis and angiogenesis.
• These composite scaffolds represent a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.