Cryo-printed collagen scaffolds reinforced with dentin-derived bioactive particles promote osteo-angiogenic bone regeneration
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Critical-sized bone defects require grafts that combine structural integrity with biological cues. We processed extracted human teeth by decellularization, partial demineralization and cryogenic milling to obtain micron-scale dentin-derived particles (DDM-p) that retain low-crystalline bioapatite and matrix-bound factors. DDM-p (3, 5, or 7 wt%) or nano-hydroxyapatite (7 wt%) were blended with type I collagen and low-temperature 3D-printed into lattice scaffolds, then EDC/NHS-crosslinked. The printed scaffolds were highly porous; increasing DDM-p content raised mineral fraction, reduced water absorption, slowed collagenase-mediated mass loss, and enhanced compressive properties, with CDP-7 exhibiting the highest modulus. Pre-osteoblastic cells showed excellent viability, greater proliferation, deep 3D infiltration, and upregulated osteogenic markers and genes on DDM-p scaffolds compared with collagen and nano-hydroxyapatite controls. Endothelial cells formed denser tube networks and expressed higher CD31 and HIF-1α in the presence of DDM-p scaffolds, evidencing strong angiogenic stimulation. In a rat critical-sized calvarial defect, CDP-7 achieved the greatest bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, new bone area, and vessel density among all groups. Taken together, these findings suggest the potential of low-temperature printed collagen/DDM-p scaffolds as a structurally stable, osteo-angiogenic platform for bone regeneration. • Cryo-printed collagen scaffolds reinforced with dentin-derived bioactive particles • Dentin particles retained low-crystalline bioapatite and matrix-bound factors • DDM-p scaffolds enhanced osteogenesis and endothelial tube formation in vitro • CDP-7 showed maximal bone formation and vascularization in rat calvarial defects
Source: Materials Today Bio
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,400
Awards: G1854074411, G2119694152
OpenAlex ID: W7126024419