3D-printed GelMA/BC@PLLAms-Cur@TCP-PCL-PEG bilayer scaffold for osteochondral repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Osteochondral defects require advanced regenerative strategies.
• Current treatments often face limitations in promoting both bone and cartilage healing.
• Developing functional scaffolds is crucial for effective osteochondral repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a novel 3D-printed bilayer scaffold for osteochondral regeneration.
• To evaluate the scaffold's anti-inflammatory, osteogenic, and chondrogenic potential.
• To assess the scaffold's biocompatibility and mechanical properties for clinical applicability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a bilayer scaffold using low-temperature 3D printing.
• Incorporation of curcumin for anti-inflammatory and osteogenic effects.
• Inclusion of collagen-loaded microspheres for chondrogenic differentiation.
• Comprehensive characterization including printability, mechanical strength, drug release, cytocompatibility, and in vitro differentiation assays.

Main Results:

• The scaffold exhibited excellent printability, structural integrity, and physiological compressive strength.
• Sustained curcumin release demonstrated significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects.
• The scaffold showed superior biocompatibility, promoting cell proliferation without cytotoxicity.
• Efficient induction of osteogenic differentiation in pre-osteoblasts and chondrogenic differentiation in stem cells was observed.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed bilayer scaffold effectively integrates anti-inflammatory, osteogenic, and chondrogenic functionalities.
• The scaffold offers a promising therapeutic strategy for osteochondral defect regeneration.
• This approach holds potential for advancing regenerative medicine in skeletal repair.