3D Bioprinting of Vascularized Bone Tissue Constructs with Dual Growth Factor Delivery

Anna Kowalski; Chen Wang; Roberto Ferrari

doi:10.55001/gast.v1i2.69

Abstract

Engineering vascularized bone grafts of clinically relevant size (>2 cm³) remains a fundamental challenge in regenerative medicine. We present a multi-material extrusion bioprinting strategy that co-deposits osteogenic (BMP-2 loaded PLGA microspheres) and angiogenic (VEGF loaded gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel) bioinks within a sacrificial Pluronic F-127 channel network. After crosslinking and sacrificial template removal, the constructs develop interconnected microvascular channels (50-200 μm diameter) infiltrated by host endothelial cells within 14 days of subcutaneous implantation in rats. Bone formation assessed by micro-CT at 8 weeks showed 38.2 ± 4.1% mineralized volume fraction — 2.8× higher than single-factor controls — with mechanical compressive strength of 12.4 MPa approaching native trabecular bone.

Author Biographies

Anna Kowalski Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany

Anna Kowalski is an assistant professor at Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany. Their research focuses on data analytics, with over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Chen Wang National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China

Chen Wang is an associate professor at National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China. Their research focuses on machine learning, with over 58 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Roberto Ferrari Department of Orthopedics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy

Roberto Ferrari is a research fellow at Department of Orthopedics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy. Their research focuses on advanced materials, with over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals.