PLA/HA Multiscale Nano-/Micro-Hybrid 3D Scaffolds Provide Inductive Cues to Stems Cells to Differentiate into an Osteogenic Lineage

This study investigated the efficacy of combined 3D printing and electrospinning to form hybrid 3D scaffolds to provide inductive cues for stems cells to differentiate into an osteogenic lineage. Hybrid scaffolds mimicking the three-dimensional architecture and bioactivity of the extracellular matrix were fabricated by co-electrospinning poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) in varying percentages onto 3D-printed PLA. The 3D-printed scaffold provided a porous structure with the requisite mechanical properties for a bone tissue scaffold. Coating the PLA scaffold with electrospun nanofibers provided bioactivity. The nano-topology of the scaffold surface promoted cell attachment, and that affinity was increased by incorporating HA. It was also found that the HA provided inductive cues to stem cells to differentiate into an osteogenic lineage. The scaffolds promoted the bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation, induced cellular synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules as well as controlled the expression of osteogenic cell markers in BMSC.