Indirect 3D printing technology for the fabrication of customised β-TCP/chitosan scaffold with the shape of rabbit radial head—an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: With the development of indirect three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, it is possible to customise individual scaffolds to be used in bone transplantation and regeneration. In addition, materials previously limited to the 3D printing (3DP) process due to their own characteristics can also be used well in indirect 3DP. In this study, customised β-TCP/chitosan scaffolds with the shape of rabbit radial head were produced by indirect 3D printing technology. METHODS: Swelling ability, porosity, mechanical characterisation, and degradation rate analysis were performed, and in vitro studies were also implemented to evaluate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the scaffolds. CCK8 cell proliferation assay kit and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining solution were used to study cell proliferation and early ALP content at the scaffold surface. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs on scaffolds was also evaluated through the scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: β-TCP/chitosan scaffold has good performance and degradation rate, and in vitro cell experiments also confirm that the scaffold has adequate cytocompatibility and bioactivity. CONCLUSION: This study provides a promising new strategy for the design of customised scaffolds for the repair of complex damaged tissues.