Plasma-Enabled Multiscale Coupling of Architecture and Biointerfaces Drives Osteogenesis in 3D-Printed Gyroid...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Optimizing bone scaffolds often involves independent tuning of nanoscale surface features, micro-scale geometry, and macro-scale mechanical properties.
• A multiscale design approach is needed to synergistically enhance osteogenesis for functional bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiscale design framework for bone scaffolds by combining additive manufacturing with nanoscale surface engineering.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of micro- and macro-scale architecture and nanoscale biointerface features on osteogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Additive manufacturing of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) gyroid scaffolds with controlled strut thickness.
• Plasma-assisted nanoscale surface engineering using plasma electroless reduction (PER) for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) deposition.
• Characterization using micro-computed tomography, finite element modeling, compression testing, and cell-based assays.

Main Results:

• Thinner TPMS gyroid scaffolds (0.6 mm) exhibited trabecular bone-like features, favorable curvature, and distributed stress profiles.
• Polydopamine-mediated silver nanoparticle (PDA-AgNP) coatings were uniform and cytocompatible.
• PDA-AgNP-functionalized scaffolds significantly enhanced cytoskeletal organization, matrix mineralization, and osteogenic gene expression compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Coupling nanoscale biointerface features with multiscale scaffold architecture synergistically enhances osteogenesis.
• This integrated design framework provides a promising strategy for developing advanced functional bone scaffolds for regenerative medicine.