• Kleger, Nicole
• Studart, André R.
• Du, Xiaoyu
• Ferguson, Stephen J.
• Kuhn, Gisela A.
• Greutert, Helen
• Smit, Thijs

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Advances in additive manufacturing have led to diverse patient‐specific implant designs utilizing computed tomography, but this requires intensive work and financial implications. Here, Digital Light Processing is used to fabricate a hive‐structured assemblable bespoke scaffold (HIVE). HIVE can be manually assembled in any shape/size with ease, so a surgeon can create a scaffold that will best fit a defect before implantation. Simultaneously, it can have site‐specific treatments by working as a carrier filled with microcryogels (MC) incorporating different biological factors in different pockets of HIVE. After characterization, possible site‐specific applications are investigated by utilizing HIVE as a versatile carrier with incorporated treatments such as growth factors (GF), bioceramic, or cells. HIVE as a GF‐carrier shows a controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein/vascular endothelial growth factor (BMP/VEGF) and induced osteogenesis/angiogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC)/human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, as a bioceramic‐carrier, HIVE demonstrates enhanced mineralization and osteogenesis, and as a HUVEC carrier, it upregulates both osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression of hMSCs. HIVE with different combinations of MCs yields a distinct local effect and successful cell migration is confirmed within assembled HIVEs. Finally, an in vivo rat subcutaneous implantation demonstrates site‐specific osteogenesis and angiogenesis.</jats:p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• tomography
• defect
• additive manufacturing