Integration of BMP-2/PLGA microspheres with the 3D printed PLGA/CaSO4 scaffold enhances bone regeneration

Abstract

Treatment of large and complex irregular bone defects is a major clinical challenge in orthopedic surgery. The current treatment includes bone transportation using the Ilizarov technique and bone cement repair using the Masquelet technique, but they require long-term manual intervention or secondary operation. To improve this situation, we compared the different implanting materials in the literature published in the past 10 years, finding that glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) and Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) are appropriated to be used as synthetic bone materials due to their advantages of easy-availability, nontoxicity, osteogenic properties and rapid degradation. Meanwhile, the development of 3D printing technique and devices makes it relatively easier to synthetize customized bio-mimetic porous scaffolds, thus facilitating the release of modified protein. In this study, we compounded BMP-2/PLGA microspheres with polylactic glycolic acid copolymer/CaSO4 (PC) 3D printed scaffold to improve the osteogenic properties of the scaffold. The result of our in vitro experiment demonstrated that the prepared PCB scaffold not only had satisfactory bio-compatibility, but also promoted osteogenic differentiation. This 3D printed scaffold is capable to accelerate the repair of complex bone defects by promoting new bone formation, suggesting that it may prove to be a potential bone tissue engineering substitute.

Recent Advancements in Bone Tissue Engineering: Integrating Smart Scaffold Technologies and Bio-Responsive Systems for Enhanced Regeneration

“…Among these, encapsulation is one common technique, where growth factors are entrapped within biodegradable microspheres or nanoparticles dispersed throughout the scaffold matrix, allowing for a sustained release. Recent in vitro studies by Zhao et al demonstrated that BMP-2 encapsulated in PLGA microspheres when integrated into a 3D printed PLGA/CaSO 4 scaffold, significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation over an extended period [ 126 ].…”

Nanofibrous Microspheres: A Biomimetic Platform for Bone Tissue Regeneration

“…These imaging data provide invaluable insights into the size, shape, location, and surrounding tissue architecture of the defect. Based on these data, additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing can be leveraged, wherein NFMS can possibly be integrated as part of the “bio-ink” that forms patient-specific NFMS-integrated scaffolds. , As it would be designed to closely match the dimensions and contours of the patient’s bone defect, it would promote optimal fit and contact with the surrounding tissue for improved integration and functionality. , Bioactive factors can be incorporated into the NFMS matrix using spatially controlled deposition methods, allowing for the creation of gradient or multilayered scaffolds that mimic the native tissue microenvironment and promote enhanced tissue regeneration . Moreover, personalized NFMS-based therapies can harness patient-derived cells and bioactive factors to further augment bone healing outcomes.…”