Biomimetic dual-structured zirconia scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Regeneration of load-bearing tissues is crucial for ensuring the structural stability and biocompatibility of scaffolds. Hence, this study was aimed at developing a biomimetic dual-structured scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. A zirconia framework (outer wall) was fabricated by coating bioglass on a 3D-printed structure, and a cell-laden GelMA hydrogel (interior part) was embedded within the framework. The dual-structured scaffold was fabricated using 3D printing and coated with bioactive glass (BGS-7). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the construction were evaluated. The compressive strength of the constructed scaffold (similar to 100 MPa) was comparable to that of natural bone. The viability of the cells was enhanced following a sevenday culture period for the cell-laden GelMA with a 5 % concentration embedded on the bioactive glass-coated surface (G5). The results of ALP activity and ARS also demonstrate an increased tendency for osteoblast cell differentiation in the G5 group compared to other groups. Moreover, the combination of zirconia and GelMA hydrogel has the potential to enable the fabrication of scaffolds for load-bearing tissue engineering applications, while the bioglass coating can improve the bioactivity of the scaffold. Within the constraints of this experiment, the G5 group demonstrated enhanced outcomes in terms of osteoblast proliferation, and mineralization.