Evaluating osteogenic potential of a 3D-printed bioceramic-based scaffold for critical-sized defect treatment: an in vivo and in vitro investigation.

The integration of precision medicine principles into bone tissue engineering has ignited a wave of research focused on customizing intricate scaffolds through advanced 3D printing techniques. Bioceramics, known for their exceptional biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, have emerged as a promising material in this field. This article aims to evaluate the regenerative capabilities of a composite scaffold composed of 3D-printed gelatin combined with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate bioceramics (G/HA/TCP), incorporating human dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs). Using 3D powder printing, we created cross-shaped biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds with a gelatin layer. The bone-regenerating potential of these scaffolds, along with hDPSCs, was assessed through in vitro analyses and in vivo studies with 60 rats and critical-sized calvarial defects. The assessment included analyzing cellular proliferation, differentiation, and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and concluded with a detailed histological evaluation of bone regeneration. Our study revealed a highly favorable scenario, displaying not only desirable cellular attachment and proliferation on the scaffolds but also a notable enhancement in the ALP activity of hDPSCs, underscoring their pivotal role in bone regeneration. However, the histological examination of calvarial defects at the 12-wk mark yielded a rather modest level of bone regeneration across all experimental groups. The test and cell group exhibited significant bone formation compared to all other groups except the control and cell group. This underscores the complexity of the regenerative process and paves the way for further in-depth investigations aimed at improving the potential of the composite scaffolds.