Enhanced regeneration of large segmental bone defects via hierarchically structured bioactive scaffolds

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 507; p. 160642
• Main Authors: Wang, Mo-Han, Wen, Shao-Meng, Cong, Yun-Hong, Gao, Huai-Ling, Zheng, Xian-Yu, Han, Zi-Xiang, Wang, Run, Xu, Rui, Yang, Lu, Li, Wen-Jing, Pan, Zhao, He, Jia-Cai, Zou, Duo-Hong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.2025
• Subjects: 3D printing; Bone regeneration; Hierarchical structure; Lyophilized platelet-rich fibrin; Segmental bone defects; Segmental bone defects; Bone regeneration; 3D printing; Lyophilized platelet-rich fibrin; Hierarchical structure
• ISSN: 1385-8947
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.160642

To address challenges of delayed or incomplete bone regeneration in large segmental defects, this study presents a hierarchically structured L-PRF/β-TCP scaffold. By integrating PRF into a 3D-printed β-TCP skeleton and applying lyophilization, the composite scaffold synergistically combines the robust load-bearing capacity of β-TCP skeleton with the bioactive properties of L-PRF, offering a promising solution for the regeneration of large segmental bone defect. [Display omitted] •This scaffold integrates a β-TCP with L-PRF to mimic bone microenvironment.•β-TCP’s support and PRF bioactivity promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis.•Studies confirm its osteogenic and angiogenic potential, advancing clinical BTE. Repairing large segmental bone defects poses significant challenges in reconstructive surgery, due to the need for scaffolds that balance robust mechanical properties with effective bone regeneration performance. Hierarchically structured scaffolds designed to mimic the native bone microenvironment have shown significant potential but often fail to fully address this balance. In this study, we propose an approach by integrating autogenous lyophilized platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF)—a rich source of platelets and growth factors—with a 3D-printed β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramic framework to manufacture a hierarchically structured bioactive L-PRF/β-TCP composite scaffold. The β-TCP ceramic framework ensures robust mechanical support, while the L-PRF offers an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like bioactive microenvironment that enhances cellular responses and enables a sustained release of autologous bioactive factors. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo assessments demonstrate the superior efficacy of the scaffold in promoting bone regeneration, positioning it as a highly promising bioactive material for large segmental bone defect repair in bone tissue engineering.