Conclusion
These properties render the Gel/SA/nano-ATP composite hydrogel scaffolds an ideal bone tissue engineering material for the repair of bone defects.
Methods
In this study, sodium alginate (SA)/gelatin (Gel) hydrogel scaffolds doped with different contents of nano-attapulgite were fabricated via 3D printing. The surface microstructure, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties were fully evaluated. Furthermore, mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured with the composite hydrogels in vitro, and proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were assessed. A rabbit tibia plateau defect model was used to evaluate the osteogenic potential of the composite hydrogel in vivo.
Results
When increasing nano-ATP content, the Gel/SA/nano-ATP composite hydrogels showed better mechanical property and printability. Moreover, Gel/SA/nano-ATP composite hydrogels showed excellent bioactivity, and a significant mineralization effect was observed on the surface after being incubated in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. The Gel/SA/nano-ATP composite hydrogel also showed good biocompatibility and promoted the osteogenesis of BMSCs. Finally, histological analysis demonstrates that the Gel/SA/nano-ATP composite hydrogels could effectively enhance bone regeneration in vivo.