Studio sulla rigenerazione ossea di innesti in Graphene 3D-printed in un modello di calvarium di ratto: fasi preliminari della ricerca

In cases of bone loss, research for a material capable of replacing bone becomes important. 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds are emerging materials for bone tissue engineering. Graphene is a bioceramic material that is made up of hybridized carbon atoms. Our previous in vitro study showed excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the carbon-based scaffold, which encourages the application of this material in orthopedic or dental practice. However, a thorough in vivo study is needed to investigate bone cell responses to graphene in an animal model before clinical application. Therefore, in this project, we performed an in vivo study to evaluate the regenerative capacity of the 3D-printed graphene scaffolds in a model of rat calvaria. We designed and 3D-printed the scaffolds with high-porosity profiles. 20 rats were included in the study. We created two rounded-shaped critical-size defects (5 mm in diameter) on each rat's calvaria. Subsequently, one defect was filled with the 3D-printed graphene scaffold (test), and the other was left to fill with blood clots (control). The rats were euthanized at two different time points, and the samples were collected for future analysis. The preliminary results of the study affirmed the practicality of using PLA-graphene scaffolds in rat calvaria defects, achieved through precise 3D printing design. The macroscopic evaluation showcased effective integration with the surrounding bone, providing stability and displaying promising biocompatibility. Overall, the preliminary assessments hinted at positive outcomes. Yet, to fully confirm and comprehend the bone regeneration potential for clinical use, inclusive evaluations including micro-CT and histological analyses are currently proceeding. The regenerative capacity and the osseointegration capability of the scaffold material at the bone-scaffold interface are fundamental for concluding the study.