The enhanced osteogenesis and osteointegration of 3-DP PCL scaffolds via structural and functional optimization using collagen networks

Optimal balance between biological activity and mechanical stability should be meticulously considered during scaffold design for bone tissue engineering applications. To fabricate an individualized construct with biomechanical and biological functionality for bone tissue regeneration, a polycaprolactone–collagen (PCL–COL) composite construct was developed through the combination of three-dimensional printing (3-DP) technology and biomimetic collagen matrix incorporation, with a 3-DP PCL framework maintaining the mechanical stability and a porous collagen matrix improving the biological activity. The results indicate that the compressive modulus of the composite constructs increased synergistically (over 40 MPa), providing sufficient mechanical support during new bone formation. On the other hand, the collagen matrix with a micro-porous architecture structurally increased scaffold areas and provided cellular adhesion sites, allowing for the functional construction of a favorable 3D microenvironment for BMSC adhesion, proliferation and extracellular matrix production. Moreover, critical-sized long bone defect (CSD) implantation demonstrated that the optimized composite constructs could promote bone tissue regeneration (5.5-fold) and bone-material osteointegration (4.7-fold), and decrease fibrosis encapsulation, compared to pristine PCL. The results indicate that these biomimetically ornamented PCL–COL constructs exhibit favorable mechanical properties and biological functionality, demonstrating great potential as an effective bone graft substitute for bone defect treatment. Meanwhile, they can also harness the advantages of 3-DP technology and a collagen-based functionalized strategy, facilitating the creation of customized and functional PCL–COL constructs for clinical translation.