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3D-printed core-shell scaffolds with a biphasic calcium phosphate core and GelMA hydrogel shell for bone tissue
Amir Shadi1, Amir Mostafapour2, Behzad Asghari1
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Scientific Reports
|March 1, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel core-shell scaffold combining a 3D-printed ceramic-polymer core with a bioactive hydrogel shell for bone regeneration. The composite scaffolds demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties, controlled degradation, and improved bioactivity, showing promise for bone tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bone tissue engineering demands scaffolds with mechanical stability, controlled degradation, and bioactivity.
- Existing scaffolds often struggle to meet all these requirements simultaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel core-shell composite scaffold for bone regeneration.
- To integrate a 3D-printed alginate/ceramic core with a bioactive gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel shell.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of alginate/biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds using robocasting and extrusion-based 3D printing.
- Coating scaffolds with GelMA and photo-crosslinking to form a core-shell structure.
- Evaluation of scaffold morphology, mechanical properties, degradation, and in vitro bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF).
Main Results:
- The core-shell scaffolds exhibited interconnected porosity (450-650 µm) suitable for cell infiltration.
- Ceramic incorporation and GelMA coating significantly enhanced mechanical strength (elastic modulus increased to 82.04 ± 0.50 MPa).
- Scaffolds showed controlled degradation and significant calcium phosphate deposition, indicating good bioactivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed GelMA-coated BCP composite scaffolds offer enhanced mechanical integrity, tunable degradation, and superior bioactivity.
- This synergistic combination makes them promising candidates for advanced bone tissue engineering applications.
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