Three-dimensional printed polylactic acid scaffold integrated with BMP-2 laden hydrogel for precise bone regeneration

Biomaterials Research, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40824-021-00233-7 · Published: September 15, 2021

Simple Explanation

Critical bone defects pose a significant challenge for clinicians due to their inability to heal spontaneously, often requiring medical intervention. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has emerged as a valuable tool in bone tissue engineering, offering outstanding customizability for creating bone substitutes. The study investigates the use of a 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) cage combined with a gelatin and alginate-based Biogel, loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), to promote bone regeneration. The results demonstrate that the PLA cage/Biogel scaffold system effectively delivers BMP-2, leading to significant bone regeneration and bone formation that follows the designed shape, suggesting its potential for clinical applications.

Study Duration

8 weeks (in vivo)

Participants

Forty-one 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (200–220 g) for calvarial defect model; Twelve-week-old male SD rats (375–400 g) for ectopic ossification model

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The in vitro results showed the cage/Biogel scaffold released BMP-2 with an initial burst release and followed by a sustained slow-release pattern, maintaining its osteoinductivity for at least 14 days.
2
The in vivo results demonstrated that the cage/Biogel/BMP-2 group exhibited the highest bone regeneration in both the rat calvarial defect model and the ectopic ossification (EO) model.
3
In the EO model, the bone regenerated more regularly at the implanted sites, indicating the cage/Biogel's ability to control the shape of regenerated bone.

Research Summary

This study investigates a 3D-printed PLA cage/Biogel scaffold as a carrier for BMP-2 to enhance bone regeneration in rat calvarial defect and ectopic ossification models. The scaffold was designed for controlled release of BMP-2 to promote bone formation in a specific shape. In vitro experiments demonstrated a biphasic release of BMP-2 and sustained osteoinductivity. In vivo results showed that the cage/Biogel/BMP-2 group had the most bone regeneration in both models. The ectopic ossification model indicated that the cage/Biogel system effectively controlled the shape of the regenerated bone, suggesting it could prevent complications associated with irregular bone formation.

Practical Implications

Precise Bone Regeneration

The 3D printed PLA cage/Biogel scaffold can serve as a suitable carrier for BMP-2, promoting significant bone regeneration in a controlled manner.

Reduced Risk of Ectopic Ossification

The ability of the scaffold to control the shape of newly formed bone suggests that it may reduce the risk of ectopic ossification and related complications.

Clinical Translation Potential

The biocompatibility and effectiveness of the scaffold system suggest its potential for clinical use in inducing bone regeneration for critical bone defects.

Study Limitations

1
Only one type of Biogel was used, and further investigations with different Biogel compositions are needed to optimize BMP-2 release patterns.
2
The calvaria defect model lacks mechanical loading, so further studies in load-bearing bone defects of large animals are required.
3
The scaffold manufacturing process should be improved to minimize protein activity loss and contamination risks.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine