Porous bone tissue scaffold concept based on shape memory PLA/Fe3O4

Bone tissue engineering is one of the important treatment methods for bone defects, especially relatively large bone defects. A variety of design strategies have been developed to obtain bone tissue scaffolds. The development of scaffolds equipped with more functions can provide more options for the treatment of bone defects, which, however, remains a challenge. Here, we introduce 3D printed porous bone tissue scaffolds based on shape memory polymer composite (SMPC). The designs are proposed based on thorough observation and analysis of the microstructure of lotus root and cellular co-continuous-like structures. Moreover, the addition of magnetic nanoparticles endows the scaffolds with the ferromagnetic domains, which opens up an opportunity to implant bone tissue scaffolds into the body in a contracted state and make them a perfect match. The experimental and micromechanical theoretical studies of the mechanical properties illustrate the reliability of the structures, while the biological experiments verify the biological activity and osteogenic effect of these scaffolds. The shape memory effect suggests potential advantages in minimally invasive surgery. These porous scaffolds based on SMPC are expected to be applied to the repair and regeneration of bone tissue.