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3D-printed BaTiO3-modified PCL/β-TCP scaffolds with multimodal optimization for enhanced critical-size bone
Liu Xuanhao1, Zhang Jing1, Xu Biying1
1School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
Biomaterials Advances
|July 23, 2026
Summary
This study developed 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone)/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds modified with barium titanate for critical-size bone defects. Low-dose barium titanate enhanced bone regeneration and mechanical properties, showing promise for craniofacial and oral defect repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Critical-size bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
- Conventional polymer scaffolds lack sufficient mechanical strength and osteogenic potential.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers precise fabrication of patient-specific bone defect scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of barium titanate (BaTiO3) incorporation into poly(ε-caprolactone)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffolds fabricated via direct ink writing.
- To evaluate the printability, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, osteogenic, and angiogenic potential of these modified scaffolds for bone regeneration.
- To assess the in vivo efficacy of the optimized scaffold in a rat calvarial critical-size defect model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCL/β-TCP scaffolds with varying BaTiO3 wt% (0-8%) using direct ink writing.
- Comprehensive characterization including rheology, microstructure, mechanical testing, and piezoelectric response analysis.
- In vitro evaluation of cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation (ALP activity, mineralization), and angiogenesis (VEGF expression).
- In vivo assessment of bone regeneration in a rat calvarial critical-size defect model over 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- All scaffolds demonstrated good printability and porous structures.
- Moderate BaTiO3 content (PTB4) improved mechanical strength and surface roughness, comparable to human cancellous bone.
- PTB4 scaffolds exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and angiogenesis-related activity in vitro.
- In vivo, PTB4 significantly increased bone volume fraction and bone mineral density, promoting new bone formation and osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose BaTiO3 modification of PCL/β-TCP scaffolds enhances mechanical properties and osteogenic/angiogenic potential.
- The PTB4 scaffold demonstrated superior performance in promoting bone regeneration for critical-size defects.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for developing safe, printable, and effective scaffolds for craniofacial and oral bone defect repair.
