Effects of vitamin D release from 3D printed calcium phosphate scaffolds on osteoblast and osteoclast cell proliferation for bone tissue engineering.

Vitamin D is a hydrophobic micronutrient and is known for inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption suppression of the Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-Kappa B (RANK ligand) expression in osteoblasts. Although vitamin D is well-known for its promotion in bone health, little is known on its effects directly on bone cells. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of vitamin D release from 3D printed calcium phosphate scaffolds towards bone cell proliferation. In this study, cholecalciferol, a common intake form of vitamin D, was successfully able to release from the scaffold matrix the use of polyethylene glycol. Results showed a decrease in osteoclast resorption pits and healthier osteoblast cellular morphology compared to the control. Additively manufactured tricalcium phosphate scaffolds with designed porosity were loaded with vitamin D and showed controlled release profiles in phosphate buffer and acetate buffer solutions. The release kinetics of vitamin D from calcium phosphate scaffolds enabling osteoblast proliferation and inhibiting osteoclastic resorption can enhance healing for low load bearing applications for bone defects or permeate voids left by tumor resection.