Novel 3D printed alginate–BFP1 hybrid scaffolds for enhanced bone regeneration

In this research, novel 3D printed alginate–peptide hybrid scaffolds were explored for enhanced bone regeneration. Bone formation peptide-1 (BFP1) was loaded into the scaffolds to promote bone regeneration. The alginate–BFP1 conjugates were synthesized via a facile EDC/NHS coupling reaction and then cross-linked in the presence of calcium ions to form hydrogel networks. The dose-dependent cytotoxicity of CaCl2 was evaluated to optimize the amount of Ca2+ for fabrication of scaffolds. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the alginate-based scaffolds provided a stable environment for the growth of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and led to a synergistically enhanced bone regeneration.