Fishnet-Inspired 3D Scaffold Fabricated from Mesh-like Electrospun Membranes Promoted Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease caused by an imbalance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Repairing osteoporotic bone defects is challenging due to decreased osteogenesis, increased osteoclast activity, and impaired angiogenesis. To address this challenge, a novel scaffold, inspired by the structure of multilayer fishing nets, is developed through a combination of template-assisted electrospinning and advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. The 3D nanofiber scaffold exhibits a hierarchical porous architecture. This design maintains the high specific surface area and extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicry of the nanofiber membrane. Additionally, the sparsely distributed nanofibers within the mesh-like structure facilitate cell infiltration. This unique topological configuration, particularly the strontium-hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAp)-enriched polycaprolactone/silk fibroin nanofibers, plays a critical role in synergistically promoting angiogenesis, enhancing osteogenesis, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation. In an osteoporotic cranial bone defect model, the scaffold demonstrates an exceptional repair efficiency of nearly 100% within 8 weeks, marked by significant new bone formation throughout the implanted area. In conclusion, our approach, which leverages intricate biomimicry and strategic active ion release, emerges as a highly promising strategy for repairing osteoporotic bone defects.

Graphical Abstract