Effects of 3D-printed porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffold pore structure and micro-nano surface topography on the repair of maxillofacial bone defects

The pore structure and surface topography of porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds significantly affect the mechanical properties and osteogenic properties of the scaffolds. However, the optimal parameter combination for maxillofacial bone defect repair remains controversial. In this study, 3D printing technology was used to print porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds with different pore structures and pore sizes. Then femtosecond (FS) laser technology was used to treat different micro-nano surface morphologies on the titanium alloy surface. In vitro and in vivo experiments were combined to evaluate the effects of different pore structures, pore sizes, and porous titanium alloy scaffolds with different micro-nano surfaces on bone regeneration and integration. According to the results, a TC 0.9 scaffold with a pore size of 0.9 mm and a pore structure of a truncated cube (TC) exhibited an elastic modulus matching that of human bone tissue and a strong osteogenic ability. The composite micro-nano surface constructed by FS could improve the material’s roughness and wettability, and promote osteoblast proliferation, adhesion, cytoskeletal polarization and orientation. The TC 0.9 scaffold prepared by 3D printing technology was subjected to FS surface treatment to construct composite micro and nano surfaces to solve the problem of insufficient repair materials for maxillofacial bone defects.