Inclusion of calcium phosphate does not further improve in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis in a novel, highly biocompatible, mechanically stable and 3D printable polymer

At a time of unpredictable challenges for health, one trend is certain: there is an exceedingly high demand for functional implants, particularly bone grafts. This has encouraged the emergence of bone tissue engineering substitutes as an alternative method to conventional bone grafts. However, the current approaches in the field face several limitations that have prevented the ultimate translation into clinical settings. As a result, many attempts have been made to fabricate synthetic bone implants that can offer suitable biological and mechanical properties. Light curable methacrylate-based polymers have ideal properties for bone repair. These materials are also suitable for 3D printing which can be applicable for restoration of both function and aesthetics. The main objective of this research was to investigate the role of calcium phosphate (CaP) incorporation in a mechanically stable, biologically functional and 3D printable polymer for the reconstruction of complex craniofacial defects. The experimental work initially involved the synthesis of (((((((((((3R,3aR,6S,6aR)- hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-3,6-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1- 48 diyl))bis(oxy))bis(carbonyl))bis(azanediyl))bis(3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane-5,1- 49 diyl))bis(azanediyl))bis(carbonyl))bis(oxy))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl) bis(2-methylacrylate) referred to as CSMA and fabrication of composite discs via a Digital Light Printing (DLP) method. The flow behaviour of the polymer as a function of CaP addition, surface remineralisation potential, in vitro cell culture, using MC3T3 and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADSCs) and ex ovo angiogenic response was assessed. Finally, in vivo studies were carried out to investigate neo-bone formation at 4- and 8-weeks post-implantation. Quantitative micro-CT and histological evaluation did not show a higher rate of bone formation in CaP filled CSMA composites compared to CSMA itself. Therefore, such polymeric systems hold promising features by allowing more flexibility in designing a 3D printed scaffold targeted at the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects.

Automated summary

At a time when health challenges are unpredictable, there is a high demand for functional implants, especially bone grafts. Bone tissue engineering substitutes have emerged as an alternative to conventional bone grafts. However, current approaches in this field have limitations that hinder their translation into clinical settings. This research aims to investigate the role of calcium phosphate incorporation in a mechanically stable, biologically functional, and 3D printable polymer for the reconstruction of complex craniofacial defects. The study found that such polymeric systems hold promise for designing 3D printed scaffolds for the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects.