3D-PRINTED COMPOSITE SCAFFOLDS BASED ON GELMA/ALGINATE AND PCL/Β-TCP FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING AND CRANIOFACIAL RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The restoration of bone defects remains one of the most important challenges in modern regenerative medicine. Traditional transplantation methods, including autografts and allografts, are limited by the risk of immune rejection, donor tissue shortage, and postoperative complications. In this regard, 3D printing technologies and the development of bioactive scaffolds have gained significant importance in bone tissue engineering. This study combines the results of investigations of two promising biomaterial systems: interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/alginate supplemented with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-TCP composite scaffolds for clinical craniofacial bone reconstruction. The results demonstrated that GelMA/alginate IPN constructs possess high printability, improved mechanical properties, and pronounced osteogenic activity. Clinical application of individualized PCL/β-TCP scaffolds showed successful implant integration, absence of major complications, and high patient satisfaction. These findings confirm the potential of 3D-printed composite biomaterials for bone regeneration and reconstructive surgery.