Osteogenesis on Surface Selective Laser Sintered Bioresorbable Scaffolds

In this study we have used a novel surface selective laser sintering (SSLS) technique to develop CAD/CAM designed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. SSLS polylactic acid scaffolds were evaluated in vitro and in vivo as templates for human fetal femur-derived cell and adult human bone marrow stromal cell osteogenesis. Both cell types were cultured successfully on SSLS scaffolds with an increase in expression of alkaline phosphatase activity. Cell in-growth and Alcian blue/Sirius red positive staining of matrix deposition were observed on SSLS scaffolds in vitro in basal medium and osteogenic culture conditions. Similar results were observed in vivo with type I collagen expressed by cells on the scaffolds. In the critical sized femur segmental defect, SSLS scaffolds seeded with the cells enhanced significantly bone tissue regeneration.