Preparation and properties of a 3D printed nHA/PLA bone tissue engineering scaffold loaded with a β-CD–CHX combined dECM hydrogel

Abstract

Jaw defects, which can result from a multitude of causes, significantly affect the physical well-being and psychological health of patients. The repair of these infected defects presents a formidable challenge in the clinical and research fields, owing to their intricate and diverse nature. This study aims to develop a personalized bone tissue engineering scaffold that synergistically offers antibacterial and osteogenic properties for treating infected maxillary defects. This study engineered a novel temperature-sensitive, sustained-release hydrogel by amalgamating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with chlorhexidine (CHX) and a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). This hydrogel was further integrated with a polylactic acid (PLA)–nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) scaffold, fabricated through 3D printing, to form a multifaceted composite scaffold (nHA/PLA/dECM/β-CD–CHX). Drug release assays revealed that this composite scaffold ensures prolonged and sustained release. Bacteriological studies confirmed that the β-CD–CHX loaded scaffold exhibits persistent antibacterial efficacy, thus effectively inhibiting bacterial growth. Moreover, the scaffold demonstrated robust mechanical strength. Cellular assays validated its superior biocompatibility, attributed to dECM and nHA components, significantly enhancing the proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1). Consequently, the nHA/PLA/dECM/β-CD–CHX composite scaffold, synthesized via 3D printing technology, shows promise in inducing bone regeneration, preventing infection, and facilitating the repair of jaw defects, positioning itself as a potential breakthrough in bone tissue engineering.