The Degrading Ca–Si–Mg 3D-scaffolds to Improve Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to develop a suitable degrading Mg–calcium silicate scaffolds (Mg–CS) and investigate the 3D-printed Mg-CS scaffolds to stimulate human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) behavior.
Methods: Mechanical strength and stability had been determined by testing the diametral tensile strength; the degradation of the 3D-printed Mg-CS scaffold has been measured ascertaining the number of ions released in simulated body fluid. Other cell characteristics, such as proliferation, differentiation and mineralization, and hPDLs when cultured on cement surfaces, were also examined.
Results: We show that MG-CS scaffolds can be reproducibly manufactured with a scaffold morphology highly resembling that of the pure CS scaffolds. The results show that the degradation rate of Mg–CS scaffolds depends on the Mg content in CS. All scaffolds were shown to be non-cytotoxic, and supported cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, the inclusion of CS promotes precipitation of apatite on the scaffold surfaces which leads to earlier hPDLCs differentiation and matrix mineralization.
Conclusions: The research results also suggest that Mg–CS scaffolds with this modified composition stimulate hPDLCs behaviour and so may be good biomaterials for bone substitutes and hard tissue regeneration applications as they stimulate osteogenesis/angiogenesis.