A Three-Dimensional Printed Polycaprolactone–Biphasic-Calcium-Phosphate Scaffold Combined with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Cultured in Xenogeneic Serum-Free Media for the Treatment of Bone Defects

Abstract

The efficacy of a three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone–biphasic-calcium-phosphate scaffold (PCL–BCP TDP scaffold) seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which were cultured in xenogeneic serum-free media (XSFM) to enhance bone formation, was assessed in vitro and in animal models. The ADSCs were isolated from the buccal fat tissue of six patients using enzymatic digestion and the plastic adherence method. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the cells cultured in XSFM when seeded on the scaffolds were assessed and compared with those of cells cultured in a medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cell–scaffold constructs were cultured in XSFM and were implanted into calvarial defects in thirty-six Wistar rats to assess new bone regeneration. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the cells in the XSFM medium were notably better than that of the cells in the FBS medium. However, the efficacy of the constructs in enhancing new bone formation in the calvarial defects of rats was not statistically different to that achieved using the scaffolds alone. In conclusion, the PCL–BCP TDP scaffolds were biocompatible and suitable for use as an osteoconductive framework. The XSFM medium could support the proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. However, the cell–scaffold constructs had no benefit in the enhancement of new bone formation in animal models.

Tackling current production of HAp and HAp-driven biomaterials

“…140,141 Some studies report that the addition of these cells does not result in significant benefits in the enhancement of new bone formation in vivo models. 138,142 In the work of Supphaprasitt et al, 138 although a PCL-biphasic-CaP scaffold seeded with ADSCs enhanced in vitro cell proliferation and differentiation, when implanted in vivo the results were similar to a cell-free scaffold.…”

“…These cells can be isolated from different sources, such as human adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs), which have the particularity of being largely available compared with other sources such as bone marrow and umbilical cord. 137 This incorporation is conventionally achieved by seeding the cells on top of the CaP scaffolds, 138,139 or by mixing particles with the cells prior to in vitro implantation or injection. 140,141 Some studies report that the addition of these cells does not result in significant benefits in the enhancement of new bone formation in vivo models.…”

Physical Characteristics and Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Membranes Used for Guided Bone Regeneration

“…Our center has developed polymeric scaffolds using various in-house filament-based techniques [19][20][21][22]. Filaments composed of PCL and PLGA with an average diameter of 1.7 ± 0.05 mm have been adapted to a fused deposition modeling technique for fabricating the scaffolds [23] and membranes using a 3D printer, respectively.…”

Enhanced In Vitro Biocompatible Polycaprolactone/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds with Near-Field Direct-Writing Melt Electrospinning Technology

“…Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a kind of synthetic polyester biological material, characterized by high crystallinity and good flexibility. It is an FDA-approved material for tissue engineering biomaterials due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability and plasticity, but it is not suitable for osteoblast adhesion and regeneration of bone tissue by itself owing to its non-biological activity, poor mechanical strength, slow degradation speed, smooth surface and strong hydrophobicity [ 1 , 2 ]. In general, it is used in combination with Hydroxyapatite (HA) to enhance osteogenic properties or biomechanical strength [ 3 , 4 ].…”