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Multicomponent scaffold with hierarchical porosity for enhanced mechanical and bioactivity
Hong Chen1,2,3, Ying Huang1,2,3, Changzhi Huang4
1Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications
|December 26, 2025
Summary
A novel Micro-MP scaffold enhances bone regeneration by creating a hierarchical porous structure using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) foaming and freeze-drying. This approach improves mechanical strength and cellular response for critical-sized bone defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Critical-sized bone defects pose significant challenges in regeneration due to poor vascularization and nutrient supply.
- Existing bone graft substitutes often struggle to balance porosity, mechanical integrity, and biological activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel porous organic/inorganic composite scaffold (Micro-MP) for enhanced bone regeneration.
- To investigate the role of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in scaffold fabrication and its impact on structural and biological properties.
Main Methods:
- A composite scaffold (Micro-MP) was fabricated using oxidized dextran/gelatin (OD/Gel) hydrogel and magnesium calcium phosphate cement (MCPC).
- A combined strategy of H₂O₂ gas foaming and freeze-drying was employed to create a hierarchical pore architecture.
- The effects of H₂O₂ on scaffold mechanics, surface properties, and cellular behavior (rat bone marrow stromal cells - rBMSCs) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The H₂O₂ treatment created interconnected macropores and micropores, forming a hierarchical structure.
- The scaffold exhibited maintained mechanical strength post-foaming due to enhanced network density from H₂O₂ oxidation.
- H₂O₂ treatment promoted apatite deposition and protein adsorption, significantly improving rBMSC attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- The developed Micro-MP scaffold effectively addresses the limitations of traditional bone grafts by combining enhanced porosity and mechanical stability.
- The dual role of H₂O₂ in scaffold fabrication offers a promising strategy for improving bone regeneration outcomes.
- This hierarchical porous scaffold presents a viable solution for repairing critical-sized bone defects.
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