Three-Dimensional, MultiScale, and Interconnected Trabecular Bone Mimic Porous Tantalum Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

To investigate the biocompatibility and bone ingrowth properties of a novel trabecular bone mimic porous tantalum scaffold which holds potential for bone tissue engineering, a novel three-dimensional, multiscale interconnected porous tantalum scaffold was designed and manufactured. The morphology of the novel scaffold was observed with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and industrial computerized tomography. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured with novel porous tantalum powder, SEM was carried out for the observation of cell morphology and adhesion, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT assay. Canine femoral shaft bone defect models were established, and novel porous tantalum rods were used to repair the bone defect. Repair effects and bone integration were evaluated by hard tissue slice examination and push-out tests at the indicated time. We found that the novel porous tantalum scaffold is a trabecular bone mimic, having the characteristics of being three-dimensional, multiscaled, and interconnected. The MSCs adhered to the surface of tantalum and proliferated with time, the tantalum extract did not have a cytotoxic effect on MSCs. In the bone defect model, porous tantalum rods integrated tightly with the host bone, and new bone formation was found on the scaffold-host bone interface both 3 and 6 months after the implantation. Favorable bone ingrowth was observed in the center of the tantalum rod. The push-out test showed that the strength needed to push out the tantalum rod is comparable for both 3 and 6 months when compared with the normal femoral shaft bone tissue. These findings suggested that the novel trabecular bone mimic porous tantalum scaffold is biocompatible and osteoinductive, which holds potential for bone tissue engineering application.

Recent advances on bioactive baghdadite ceramic for bone tissue engineering applications: 20 years of research and innovation (a review)

“…It is generally accepted that a bone scaffold should have an interconnected porous network (the porous percentage≥85%) with micro and macro porosity (10–500 ​μm) to provide the necessary in vivo conditions for bone formation and vascularization. As expected and mentioned before, by increasing the porosity, the mechanical properties of scaffolds will be reduced [ [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] ]. Various methods have been utilized to fabricate the 3D porous ceramic scaffold, including conventional and developed techniques such as polymer sponge, freeze-drying, space holder method, and 3D printing [ 67 , 68 ].…”

Current Biomaterial-Based Bone Tissue Engineering and Translational Medicine

“…At present, porous tantalum stents have been used in arthroplasty, spinal fusion surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and femoral head necrosis treatments [ 2 ]. As the trabecular structure of bone was stimulated by the porous tantalum scaffold, the outcomes confirmed its excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity in BTE [ 68 ]. In canine femoral shaft bone defect models, the porous tantalum scaffold integrated tightly with the host bone, and new bone formation was observed on the scaffold-host bone interface both three and six months after implantation.…”

Tissue Regeneration through Cyber‐Physical Systems and Microbots

“…However, there are different tissues that require the above model of implant delivery but they need the scaffold to have spatially heterogeneous mechanical properties. [ 105,106 ] Hendrikson et al. showed the use of shape memory effect of polyurethane scaffolds to generate 4D structure.…”