Oxygen-enhanced 3D-printed scaffolds for repair of ischemic bone

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a bone degenerative condition characterized by disrupted blood supply, leading to bone necrosis and subsequent bone collapse. Current AVN treatments, such as core decompression and surgical interventions, exhibited limited success rates due to donor site morbidity, infection, and structural mismatch. Existing treatments fail to regenerate the necrotic bone and prevent bone collapse. Thus, the current study explores the potential of 3D-printed composite scaffolds consisting of calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CaO₂NPs) and manganese dioxide (MnO₂) within a polylactide (PLA) matrix. These 3D-printed composite scaffolds can provide mechanical support to the collapsing bone, while CaO₂NPs and MnO₂particles can provide a localized and sustained molecular oxygen delivery at the site of necrosis. PLA/Mn/Ca4% exhibited the highest mechanical strength compared with other tested compositions (2% and 6%). Moreover, the 4% composition demonstrated consistent and sustained oxygen release.<i>In vitro</i>studies with MG-63 cells demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and cell proliferation under hypoxic conditions. Also, enhanced mineralization on the 4% composite scaffolds suggested osteogenic potential of these scaffolds in a hypoxic environment. These findings suggest that these 3D printed composite scaffolds can effectively promote bone regeneration in hypoxic conditions, potentially offering a promising clinical strategy for treating AVN.