Cryogenic 3D Printing of ß-TCP/PLGA Composite Scaffolds Incorporated With BpV (Pic) for Treating Early Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head

Abstract

Avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) is a disease that is characterized by structural changes and collapse of the femoral head. The exact causes of ANFH are not yet clear, but small advances in etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment are achieved. In this study, ß-tricalcium phosphate/poly lactic-co-glycolic acid composite scaffolds incorporated with bisperoxovanadium [bpV (pic)] (bPTCP) was fabricated through cryogenic 3D printing and were utilized to treat rat models with early ANFH, which were constructed by alcohol gavage for 6 months. The physical properties of bPTCP scaffolds and in vitro bpV (pic) release from the scaffolds were assessed. It was found that the sustained release of bpV (pic) promoted osteogenic differentiation and inhibited adipose differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Micro-computed tomography scanning and histological analysis confirmed that the progression of ANFH in rats was notably alleviated in bPTCP scaffolds. Moreover, it was noted that the bPTCP scaffolds inhibited phosphatase and tensin homolog and activated the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. The autophagy induced by bPTCP scaffolds could partially prevent apoptosis, promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and hence eventually prevent the progression of ANFH, suggesting that the bPTCP scaffold are promising candidate to treat ANFH.

Recent progress in 3D printing degradable polylactic acid‐based bone repair scaffold for the application of cancellous bone defect

“…Among them, the PLGA‐based scaffolds blended with Mg can inhibit the recurrence of osteosarcoma and effectively promote the regeneration of new bone. The utilization of icariin and bpV(pic) can promote hematopoietic function, immune function, and bone metabolism, thereby enhancing the repair of bone defects under complex pathological conditions 112,114 . Furthermore, PLGA‐based 3D scaffolds containing Li‐MBG can relieve cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in high glucose environments 115 .…”

“…Moreover, avoiding the high fabrication associated with loading growth factors will place higher economic pressure on patients, improving the prospects of PLGA-based 3D scaffolds for clinical use. Long et al used a simple method such as plant extracts icariin, 112 bisperoxovanadium [bpV (pic)], 114 lithium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (Li-MBG 115 and magnesium (Mg) 111,113 to endow the PLGA scaffold with multifaceted regulation to promote bone regeneration in a complex environment. Among them, the PLGA-based scaffolds blended with Mg can inhibit the recurrence of osteosarcoma and effectively promote the regeneration of new bone.…”

“…The utilization of icariin and bpV (pic) can promote hematopoietic function, immune function, and bone metabolism, thereby enhancing the repair of bone defects under complex pathological conditions. 112,114 Furthermore, PLGA-based 3D scaffolds containing Li-MBG can relieve cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in high glucose environments. 115 Meanwhile, the authors suggested that more ingenious and multifunctional PLGAbased 3D printed scaffolds should be designed in future studies to adjust the microenvironment to promote bone healing efficiently.…”

3D printing of bone and cartilage with polymer materials

“…The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has certified the polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer. It is officially included in the US Pharmacopoeia as a pharmaceutical excipient ( Barati et al, 2020 ; Koons et al, 2021 ), but its degradation product will generate acid that may cause the potential inflammation ( Li et al, 2021b ). In tumor treatment, innovative PLGA/Mg porous scaffolds were fabricated for postsurgical management of osteosarcoma.…”