Enhanced bone tissue engineering by 3D-printed host-guest polycaprolactone scaffolds stuffed with chitosan/laponite

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
• Tissue-engineered scaffolds offer a promising solution for bone regeneration.
• Existing scaffolds often lack optimal mechanical and biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize an innovative three-dimensional (3D) host-guest scaffold for bone defect repair.
• To integrate a structural host framework with an osteoinductive guest component.
• To evaluate the scaffold's physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties for enhanced bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds using extrusion-based 3D printing.
• Modification of PCL scaffolds with NaOH treatment and infusion with a chitosan-laponite composite (guest component).
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
• Assessment of swelling, apatite mineralization, degradation, mechanical strength, and in vitro cell viability.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of the guest component into the host scaffold.
• Enhanced bioactivity with increased Ca/P ratio (1.22 to 1.66) and improved mechanical strength (7.65 to 10.85 MPa).
• Promoted surface apatite formation, faster biodegradation (11.8% in 28 days), and significantly enhanced osteoblastic cell viability (>100%).
• Remarkable increase in cell matrix deposition (3.95% to 12.57%).

Conclusions:

• The host-guest scaffolds provide robust physical support and a conducive micro-environment for cellular function.
• These scaffolds demonstrate significant potential for promoting bone regeneration and future clinical applications in bone defect repair.
• The combination of 3D printing and host-guest design offers a versatile approach for developing advanced bone tissue engineering strategies.