Hydrothermal Deposition of PCN-224 on 3D-Printed Porous β-Ca2SiO4 Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

3D-printed bioceramics derived from silicone resin are of great interest in bone tissue engineering owing to their simple processes and low cost. Herein, PCN-224, as a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is successfully fabricated and deposited on the surface of 3D-printed porous beta-Ca2SiO4 (C2S) scaffolds. The composite scaffolds possess uniform interconnected macropores (approximate to 400 mu m), with increased porosity and slower degradation. The results indicate that deposition of PCN-224 significantly promotes cell proliferation and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Moreover, the composite scaffolds significantly improve calvarial defect healing in rats, compared with C2S scaffolds. Therefore, the PCN-224-modified 3D-printed porous C2S composite scaffolds are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.

Automated summary

This study investigates the application of 3D-printed bioceramics in bone tissue engineering. By depositing PCN-224 onto 3D-printed porous C2S scaffolds, composite scaffolds with uniform large pores are obtained. These scaffolds significantly promote cell proliferation and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, while showing a slower degradation rate. Compared to single C2S scaffolds, the composite scaffolds greatly improve the healing of calvarial defects in rats.