Development of a 3D Bioprinted Scaffold with Spatio-temporally Defined Patterns of BMP-2 and VEGF for the Regeneration of Large Bone Defects.

The local delivery of growth factors such as BMP-2 is a well-established strategy for the repair of bone defects. The limitations of such approaches clinically are well documented and can be linked to the need for supraphysiological doses and poor spatio-temporal control of growth factor release . Using bioprinting techniques, it is possible to generate implants that can deliver cytokines or growth factors with distinct spatiotemporal release profiles and patterns to enhance bone regeneration.

3D bioprinting spatiotemporally defined patterns of growth factors to tightly control tissue regeneration.

Therapeutic growth factor delivery typically requires supraphysiological dosages, which can cause undesirable off-target effects. The aim of this study was to 3D bioprint implants containing spatiotemporally defined patterns of growth factors optimized for coupled angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Using nanoparticle functionalized bioinks, it was possible to print implants with distinct growth factor patterns and release profiles spanning from days to weeks.