Channel-pillars scaffold for bone regeneration: structure design, manufacturing, and physicochemical properties

Porous scaffolds have been extensively studied for over a decade; however, their performance in clinical applications remains suboptimal. The aim of these studies is to develop scaffolds that achieve a balance between mechanical strength and biological functionality for the treatment of bone defects. In this study, we present a novel channel-pillared scaffold characterized by integrated channels, pillars, and bilateral zigzag infill, fabricated using polycaprolactone via 3D printing. Following fabrication, the triangular hollow pillars are subsequently filled with calcium phosphate cement manually. The physicochemical properties of the scaffold-including structural morphology, porosity, and compressive strength-are systematically evaluated. In addition, its biological performance is assessed through in vitro studies, being cultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), focusing on cell attachment and proliferation. The results reveal that the channel-pillared scaffold possesses a highly interconnected and well-organized architecture. Compressive strength increases proportionally with the number of supporting pillars, indicating structural tunability. Furthermore, MSCs exhibited favorable attachment and proliferation, with no evidence of cytotoxicity observed. In conclusion, this novel channel-pillared scaffold demonstrates a promising combination of suitable mechanical strength and biocompatibility, highlighting its potential for bone tissue engineering applications.