Terbium-doped 3D-printed carbonate hydroxyapatite scaffold enhances bone regeneration

Oral and maxillofacial bone defects present significant clinical challenges. This study developed a 3D-printed terbium-doped carbonate hydroxyapatite scaffold to enhance bone regeneration.

The Tb-CHA scaffold was fabricated via 3D printing and evaluated for its physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. In vitro experiments assessed the scaffold’s effects on proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells), while in vivo osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities were tested using a rat calvarial defect model.

The Tb-CHA scaffold exhibited suitable mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, providing an optimal microenvironment for bone regeneration. In vitro, Tb-CHA significantly enhanced MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In vivo, the scaffold promoted robust bone tissue and vasculature regeneration in rat calvarial defects, outperforming conventional materials.

Tb-CHA represents a promising biomaterial for bone defect repair, combining the advantages of 3D printing precision and the osteogenic potential of terbium. This study pioneers the application of rare earth elements in bone tissue engineering, offering a novel strategy for clinical challenges in dentistry and orthopedics.