Cobalt-doped bioceramic scaffolds fabricated by 3D printing show enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic properties for bone repair

BACKGROUND: The bone regeneration of artificial bone grafts is still in need of a breakthrough to improve the processes of bone defect repair. Artificial bone grafts should be modified to enable angiogenesis and thus improve osteogenesis. We have previously revealed that crystalline Ca(10)Li(PO(4))(7) (CLP) possesses higher compressive strength and better biocompatibility than that of pure beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). In this work, we explored the possibility of cobalt (Co), known for mimicking hypoxia, doped into CLP to promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis. METHODS: We designed and manufactured porous scaffolds by doping CLP with various concentrations of Co (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mol%) and using 3D printing techniques. The crystal phase, surface morphology, compressive strength, in vitro degradation, and mineralization properties of Co-doped and -undoped CLP scaffolds were investigated. Next, we investigated the biocompatibility and effects of Co-doped and -undoped samples on osteogenic and angiogenic properties in vitro and on bone regeneration in rat cranium defects. RESULTS: With increasing Co-doping level, the compressive strength of Co-doped CLP scaffolds decreased in comparison with that of undoped CLP scaffolds, especially when the Co-doping concentration increased to 1 mol%. Co-doped CLP scaffolds possessed excellent degradation properties compared with those of undoped CLP scaffolds. The (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 mol%) Co-doped CLP scaffolds had mineralization properties similar to those of undoped CLP scaffolds, whereas the 1 mol% Co-doped CLP scaffolds shown no mineralization changes. Furthermore, compared with undoped scaffolds, Co-doped CLP scaffolds possessed excellent biocompatibility and prominent osteogenic and angiogenic properties in vitro, notably when the doping concentration was 0.25 mol%. After 8 weeks of implantation, 0.25 mol% Co-doped scaffolds had markedly enhanced bone regeneration at the defect site compared with that of the undoped scaffold. CONCLUSION: In summary, CLP doped with 0.25 mol% Co(2+) ions is a prospective method to enhance osteogenic and angiogenic properties, thus promoting bone regeneration in bone defect repair. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12938-021-00907-2.