Surface immobilization of biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles on 3D printed poly(caprolactone) scaffolds enhances osteogenesis and bone tissue regeneration

We fabricated biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (BCP NPs)-immobilized on the surface of 3D printed PCL (BCP-IM-PCL) scaffolds, and evaluated in vitro osteogenesis and in vivo new bone formation in rat tibial defect model. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that BCP-IM-PCL significantly enhanced osteogenic markers (i.e., ALP activity, calcium deposition, and the expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin) and markedly increased new bone formation and mineralized bone tissues in tibial defect area, compared to unmodified PCL and BCP-mixed PCL scaffolds. This study demonstrated that BCP NPs-immobilized on the surface of PCL scaffolds are promising templates for bone tissue regeneration.