3D printed hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration using calcium methoxyethoxide as a calcium source.

Introduction: Hybrids consist of inorganic and organic co-networks that are indistinguishable above the nanoscale, which can lead to unprecedented combinations of properties, such as high toughness and controlled degradation. Methods: We present 3D printed bioactive hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration, produced by incorporating calcium into our "Bouncy Bioglass", using calcium methoxyethoxide (CME) as the calcium precursor. SiO ₂ -CaO _CME /PTHF/PCL-diCOOH hybrid "inks" for additive manufacturing (Direct Ink Writing) were optimised for synergy of mechanical properties and open interconnected pore channels. Results and Discussion: Adding calcium improved printability. Changing calcium content (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mol.%) of the SiO ₂ -CaO _CME /PTHF/PCL-diCOOH hybrids affected printability and mechanical properties of the lattice-like scaffolds. Hybrids containing 30 mol.% calcium in the inorganic network (70S30C _CME -CL) printed with 500 µm channels and 100 µm strut size achieved the highest strength (0.90 ± 0.23 MPa) and modulus of toughness (0.22 ± 0.04 MPa). These values were higher than Ca-free SiO ₂ /PTHF/PCL-diCOOH hybrids (0.36 ± 0.14 MPa strength and 0.06 ± 0.01 MPa toughness modulus). Over a period of 90 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), the 70S30C _CME -CL hybrids also kept a stable strain to failure (~30 %) and formed hydroxycarbonate apatite within three days. The extracts released by the 70S30C _CME -CL hybrids in growth medium did not cause cytotoxic effects on human bone marrow stromal cells over 24 h of culture.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
(Copyright © 2023 Heyraud, Tallia, Sory, Ting, Tchorzewska, Liu, Pilsworth, Lee, Hanna, Rankin and Jones.)