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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Ceramic Omnidirectional Bioprinting in Cell-Laden Suspensions for the Generation of Bone Analogs
Published on: August 8, 2022
3D printed nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold combined with BMSCs cell sheet containing concentrated growth factor (CGF)
Qi Shao1,2, Jianhong Shi3, Jin Lu1
1Department of Craniomaxillofacial Plastic and Cosmetic Center, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, No.1500 Qinghua Road, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
Background:
Craniofacial bone defects represent significant clinical challenges resulting from diverse etiological factors. Despite advancements in biomaterials science, autologous tissue transplantation remains the gold standard for craniofacial reconstruction due to the limitations of existing materials in replicating the complexity and functionality of native tissues.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combining 3D-printed nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) scaffolds with concentrated growth factor-enriched cell sheets (CGF-BMSCs-CS) for bone defect repair, exploring their synergistic effects on osteogenesis and tissue regeneration.
Methods:
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were utilized to fabricate CGF-enriched cell sheets. 3D-printed porous n-HA scaffolds (5 mm diameter, 1 mm thickness) were prepared and wrapped with CGF-BMSCs-CS to form composite scaffolds. Four experimental groups were established: control, n-HA alone, CGF-BMSCs-CS alone, and the composite n-HA/CGF-BMSCs-CS. Osteogenic potential was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis of osteogenesis-related gene expression. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to these groups for a cranial defect model. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed at 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery to assess bone regeneration metrics, including bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th).
Results:
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the n-HA scaffold's uniform porosity and structural integrity. The CGF-BMSCs-CS exhibited optimal thickness and viscosity for tissue engineering applications. The composite group demonstrated significantly elevated ALP activity and upregulated expression of osteogenesis-related genes, indicating enhanced osteogenic capacity. µCT analysis revealed superior bone formation and osseointegration in the composite scaffold group compared to other groups. This was further supported by significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) values at both time points (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed increased osteocyte activity, neovascularization, and trabecular bone formation in the composite group.
Conclusions:
We innovatively integrated 3D printed n-HA scaffolds with CGF BMSCs CS, which combines mechanical stability with enhanced osteogenic potential for craniofacial bone defect repair, promoting bone healing. This innovative strategy provides promising prospects for advancing bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
