3D-Printed Drug-Loaded Composite Scaffolds to Promote Osteogenesis and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

In order to produce a type of biocomposite, attractive and environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers are used in the field of materials science. Programable three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing technology conjointly provides a green platform to use polylactic acid (PLA) in bone tissue engineering. In this study, we printed PLA, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and β-cyclodextrin/chlorhexidine clathrate (β-CD-CHX) using a 3D printing technique to prepare a porous composite scaffold (PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX) with osteogenic and anti-infective properties. With scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we confirmed the successful printing of the PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX and that the β-CD-CHX was uniformly distributed in the scaffold. The in vitro release behavior showed that the dual slow release of PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX and β-CD-CHX could achieve sustained release of CHX. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the prepared PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX exhibited outstanding cytocompatibility and induced osteogenesis. The anti-microbial test against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the outstanding antibacterial properties of the composite scaffold. These findings suggest that the 3D-printed PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX scaffold has excellent potential for repairing regenerative jaw defects and fighting infections.

Preparation and properties of a 3D printed nHA/PLA bone tissue engineering scaffold loaded with a β-CD–CHX combined dECM hydrogel

“…The C/O ratio of S1 is relatively high at 1.93, but it decreases to 1.19 for S2 and further to 1.04 for S4 following the addition of nHA and composite hydrogel. This shift suggests that the inclusion of more oxygen atoms modifies the chemical composition of the S1 surface, 30,33 thus affirming the successful printing of the S4 composite porous scaffold. Additionally, the composition and structure of S2 remain unchanged after the drug's addition, corroborating the findings from the FTIR analysis.…”

“…Also, the addition of dECM and sustained-release drugs did not heighten the cytotoxicity of S4. 30,37…”

“…4E), the S2 scaffold demonstrates distinct spectral characteristics: a peak at 2960 cm −1 , which is associated with C-H bending, and another prominent peak at 4E, exhibits a characteristic peak at 1160 cm −1 , attributed to C-O stretching vibrations. 30 In the dECM spectrum (Fig. 4E), a peak at 1648 cm −1 correlates with amide I type vibrations, and another at 1549 cm −1 is linked to C]O stretching vibrations and N-H bending in peptides.…”

“…Also, the addition of dECM and sustained-release drugs did not heighten the cytotoxicity of S4. 30,37 Fig. 7 SEM images of MC3T3-E1 adhering to S1 (A).…”

Preparation and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Composite Hydrogel Scaffolds Carrying Chlorhexidine and Strontium-Doped Hydroxyapatite

“…10 The development of a biomaterial that possesses both antimicrobial and osteogenic properties is therefore of significant clinical importance for treating jaw defects susceptible to infection. 11 Hydrogels are highly hydrophilic polymers that form an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) porous network through cross-linking 12 and have found extensive application in biomedical fields because of their exceptional biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and drug-delivery capabilities. 13,14 Recent advancements in hydrogel technology have shown promising results in enhancing cellular bioactivity and achieving effective antimicrobial outcomes, thereby opening new therapeutic possibilities for treating jaw defects.…”