Development of a three-dimensional printed scaffold for customized alveolar bone regeneration

Abstract

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the response of osteoblast-like MG63 cells (MG63 cells) in three-dimensional (3D) printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. This study was also evaluated the formation and penetration of new bone in the scaffolds in vivo without bone defects or decortication. Materials and methods: PCL 3D scaffold was fabricated using a 3D printing system. For the in vitro study, MG63 cells were seeded into scaffolds and cultured using a rotating bioreactor. After 2, 3, or 4 weeks, scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy for cell attachment, 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining for cell proliferation, and hematoxylin-eosin staining for cell invasion. For the in vivo study, four scaffold types (grid, hollow, hollow with collagen sponge, or hollow with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-soaked collagen sponge) were inserted into rabbit calvaria without bone treatment. New bone formation was measured by micro-computed tomography, and bone regeneration was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining and histomorphometric analysis at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-operation. Results: Cellular attachment and proliferation increased over time. In vivo, vertical formation of new bone was vertically observed on scaffolds. The collagen sponge and the BMP-soaked collagen sponge increased new bone formation. The BMP-containing scaffold showed significantly (p < 0.001) more new bone formation than the other scaffolds. Conclusion: 3D-printed PCL scaffolds showed good biocompatibility and showed the ability to support regeneration of new bone vertically into the scaffold, without need for artificial bone defects. In particular, the hollow scaffolds with collagen sponge and BMP showed greater new bone formation than the other scaffolds. 3D-printed scaffolds show promise for promoting bone regeneration.