The fabrication technique determines the physicochemical and biological properties of scaffolds, including the porosity, mechanical strength, osteoconductivity, and bone regenerative potential. Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)-based scaffolds are superior in bone tissue engineering due to their suitable physicochemical and biological properties. We developed an indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) printing strategy to fabricate 3D microporous BCP scaffolds for bone tissue engineering purposes. The green part of the BCP scaffold was fabricated by SLS at a relevant low temperature in the presence of epoxy resin (EP), and the remaining EP was decomposed and eliminated by a subsequent sintering process to obtain the microporous BCP scaffolds. Physicochemical properties, cell adhesion, biocompatibility, in vitro osteogenic potential, and rabbit critical-size cranial bone defect healing potential of the scaffolds were extensively evaluated. This indirect SLS printing eliminated the drawbacks of conventional direct SLS printing at high working temperatures, i.e. wavy deformation of the scaffold, hydroxyapatite decomposition, and conversion of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) to α-TCP. Among the scaffolds printed with various binder ratios (by weight) of BCP and EP, the scaffold with 50/50 binder ratio (S4) showed the highest mechanical strength and porosity with the smallest pore size. Scaffold S4 showed the highest effect on osteogenic differentiation of precursor cells in vitro, and this effect was ERK1/2 signaling-dependent. Scaffold S4 robustly promoted precursor cell homing, endogenous bone regeneration, and vascularization in rabbit critical-size cranial defects. In conclusion, BCP scaffolds fabricated by indirect SLS printing maintain the physicochemical properties of BCP and possess the capacity to recruit host precursor cells to the defect site and promote endogenous bone regeneration possibly via the activation of ERK1/2 signaling.

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Background Bio-Oss® collagen (BC) has been used in clinical applications for years but the ridge preservation property of BC remains controversial. There is no animal model accurately simulates the extraction socket in people. The aim of this study was to assess the ridge preservation of a novel extraction sockets with a thin buccal plate using BC. Materials and methods Two beagle dogs were used to assess the characterization of the novel extraction socket. The width and height of the socket were measured and biopsies of the socket were collected for histologic examination. Four beagle dogs were used to assess the ridge preservation property of BC. BC was placed in the socket and socket left untreated was set as control group (CT). Cone-beam computed tomography analysis, histological examination, and micro-CT analysis were used to evaluate the ridge preservation. Results The novel extraction socket had obvious larger volume with a markedly narrow buccal wall than mandible extraction sockets. At 12 weeks, the width of the crest of the alveolar ridge preservation ratios was 34% for the CT and 82% for the BC. BC group had larger socket volume compare to CT group. BC group had a significant higher bone density in the middle and apical areas of the alveolar bone. Socket placed with BC showed significantly less vertical bone loss compared with CT group. Conclusion Extraction site with a significantly larger dimension and a very thin buccal plate was established. Extraction sockets filled with BC exhibit excellent maintenance of alveolar bone volume.

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