Fabrication and characterization of composite scaffolds based on bioactive OxPVA and 3D printed polylactic acid for focal osteochondral defects regeneration

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorder leading to progressive degeneration of the cartilage and bone tissue, significantly compromising patients’ life quality; hence, the research for effective treatments supporting tissue regeneration is an intriguing challenge. Currently, several approaches based on Tissue Engineering have emerged as promising options for osteochondral regeneration, developing new devices able to restore tissue functionality. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize scaffolds based on oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OxPVA) and polylactic acid (PLA) for cartilage and bone regeneration, respectively. The bioactivity of the OxPVA scaffold was improved through two strategies: i) imparting a certain grade of porosity to the scaffold, thus allowing for cell migration and nutrient exchange; ii) combining the OxPVA biomechanical characteristics with the bioactive properties of decellularized cartilage. Lastly, as a pilot study, coating with the self-assembling peptide RAD-II of OxPVA scaffolds was also investigated. After morpho-structural characterization studies (i.e., porosity assessment, histological evaluations, mechanical behavior tests), the scaffolds were tested for their bioactive behavior in vitro and biocompatibility in vivo. The imparted porosity and addition of decellularized cartilage revealed as good strategies to enhance cell proliferation, moreover, the scaffolds showed also good biocompatibility in vivo. PLA supports also efficiently promoted cell adhesion and growth. Despite future studies will be necessary, composite scaffolds based on bioactive OxPVA, and 3D printed PLA may be considered as a promising strategy for osteochondral regeneration in osteoarthritic patients.