Preparation of Ag@3D‐TiO₂ Scaffolds and Determination of its Antimicrobial Properties and Osteogenesis‐promoting Ability

Abstract

ObjectivesThe micro‐nano structure of 3D‐printed porous titanium (Ti) alloy with excellent performance in avoiding stress shielding and promoting bone tissue differentiation provides a new opportunity for the development of bone implants, but it necessitates higher requirements for bone tissue differentiation and the antibacterial properties of bone implants in clinical practice.MethodsThis study investigated the preparation, antimicrobial properties, and osteogenesis‐promoting ability of the 3D printed porous Ti alloy anodic oxidized Ag‐carrying (Ag@3D‐TiO2) scaffolds. The 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐Ti), anodized 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐TiO2), and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were synthesized using electron beam melting. The antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds were examined using antibacterial tests and their cytocompatibility was assessed using a cell proliferation assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. In vitro cellular assays were used to investigate the effects of the scaffold microstructural features on cell activity, proliferation, and osteogenesis‐related genes and proteins. In vivo animal experiments were used to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and osteogenesis‐promoting abilities of the scaffolds.ResultsThe Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds exhibited sustained anti‐microbial activity over time, enhanced cell proliferation, facilitated osteogenic differentiation, and increased extracellular matrix mineralization. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL‐I), and osteocalcin (OCN)‐related genes and proteins were upregulated. In vivo animal implantation experiments, the anti‐inflammatory effect of the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were observed using histology, and a large amount of fibrous connective tissue was present around it; the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were more bio‐compatible with the surrounding tissues compared with 3D‐Ti and 3D‐TiO2; a large amount of uniformly distributed neoplastic bone tissue existed in their pores, and the chronic systemic toxicity test showed that the 3D‐Ti, 3D‐TiO2, and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds are biologically safe.ConclusionThe goal of this study was to create a scaffold that exhibits antimicrobial properties and can aid bone growth, making it highly suitable for use in bone tissue engineering.