earticle

영어

3D-printed biodegradable cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced chitosan/silk fibroin scaffolds were synthesized as an advanced material for regenerative medicine application. The developed bio-inks were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The composite scaffolds exhibited better swelling potential and better degradation potential than the pure polymer scaffolds. The cytotoxicity of the developed scaffolds was measured using the WST-1 assay in the presence of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Improved cell viability and mineral deposition were observed with composite scaffolds vis-à-vis pure polymer scaffolds, showing their improved biocompatibility and mineralization potential. Upregulation of osteogenic associated gene markers was observed in the composite scaffold-treated media compared to the control, indicating enhanced osteogenic efficiency. The osteogenic induction process occurs via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Higher M1 macrophages polarization occurred in the scaffolds treated media after 24 h of incubation, which assisted the angiogenesis in bone tissue regeneration during the initial stage. Moreover, shifting from M1 to M2 macrophages polarization was observed in the scaffolds treated media after 3 days of incubation, suggesting its tissue regeneration potential. Compared to the control group, enhanced bone regeneration was observed in the calvaria defect rat model with the printed scaffolds, indicating their superior osteogenic efficiency. These results demonstrate that the printed scaffolds are promising materials for vascularized bone-healing applications and provide practical approaches for biomaterial development.