Silicate‐substituted calcium phosphate (Si‐CaP) ceramics, alternative materials for autogenous bone grafting, exhibit excellent osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability; thus, they have been widely used for treating bone defects. However, the… Click to show full abstract
Silicate‐substituted calcium phosphate (Si‐CaP) ceramics, alternative materials for autogenous bone grafting, exhibit excellent osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability; thus, they have been widely used for treating bone defects. However, the limited control over the spatial structure and weak mechanical properties of conventional Si‐CaP ceramics hinder their wide application. Here, we used digital light processing (DLP) printing technology to fabricate a novel porous 3D printed Si‐CaP scaffold to enhance the scaffold properties. Scanning electron microscopy, compression tests, and computational fluid dynamics simulations of the 3D printed Si‐CaP scaffolds revealed a uniform spatial structure, appropriate mechanical properties, and effective interior permeability. Furthermore, compared to Si‐CaP groups, 3D printed Si‐CaP groups exhibited sustained release of silicon (Si), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) ions. Furthermore, 3D printed Si‐CaP groups had more comprehensive and persistent osteogenic effects due to increased osteogenic factor expression and calcium deposition. Our results show that the 3D printed Si‐CaP scaffold successfully improved bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation and possessed a distinct apatite mineralization ability. Overall, with the help of DLP printing technology, Si‐CaP ceramic materials facilitate the fabrication of ideal bone tissue engineering scaffolds with essential elements, providing a promising approach for bone regeneration.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.